Preach it, Jaynie!

Most people desperately cling to the status quo, especially when it comes to the status quo of peer groups and friends.

Back in the stone age, I remember my friend Richard being the first in his family to go to — and graduate from — University. You'd think his family would be encouraging and proud, right? Instead, they pretty much shunned him on the grounds that he could "just stay away, since he clearly thought he was BETTER than his roots!"

Perhaps the most courageous thing we can do in life is step outside our prescribed boxes.

It's not always about comfort zones, it's about breaking with what is expected of us... which sometimes might actually BE our true comfort zone! Falsification of self is a corrosive toxin... going along to get along kills the soul and spirit.

Mostly these "boxes" of discouragement are quite fragile.

I have likely shared this story before... back in "another life," my ex and I and 5 other couples who'd known each other since Uni would get together all the time and do lots of things together. Then, one day, one of the couples announced they were getting divorced. Everyone else went to bat on the "Don't do it" front, trying to maintain the cohesiveness of the group. Which, of course, didn't work.

But here's the thing: Within 12 month ALL but one couple *(including myself) had broken up... perhaps recognizing that we didn't need to give up our true feelings "for the sake of the status quo."

I have had the privilege of watching your journey for many years now, and you are one of the the most courageous and genuine people I have ever encountered.

And I am super proud of you for embracing that YOU matter!

xo