Knowledge is important, but only if we're being kind and gentle with ourselves as we work to discover who we are.

But I don't think it's as dangerous, scary, or terrifying as getting to the end of our lives and wondering, what if I would have shown up?

If we want to cultivate hopefulness, we have to be willing to be flexible and demonstrate perseverance. Not every goal will look and feel the same. Tolerance for disappointment, determination, and a belief in self are the heart of hope.

When perfectionism is driving us, shame is riding shotgun and fear is that annoying backseat driver!

We cannot grow when we are in shame, and we can't use shame to change ourselves or others.

It was scary. But it was so liberating. I thought, This is not predetermined - I get to choose. There are some days where I have to choose five times in a day. I had to make a choice when you called and the phone rang, whether I'm going to show up and be me, or whether I'm going to say what I think I'm supposed to say and get off the phone.

You can’t dress rehearse the bad moments.