July 1 marked the beginning of the second half of the year, and I’ll admit that I was stunned to realize 2017 is half over: I have so much more I want to accomplish and WE STILL HAVE THE SAME PRESIDENT.
Whyyyyyyyyyyyy.
Fortunately, I recently got some inspiration from a friend who’s started making resolutions for the second six months of the year. We didn’t talk about what our New Year’s Resolutions had been – I mean, I did one 8K this year and stopped drinking coffee, that means I’m done, right? – and these next six months seemed to deserve their own special treatment anyway.
I was struck by how much self-reflection she’d packed into her half-year resolutions, including a pledge to stop saying “whatever” instead of expressing what she needs or wants. We’ve all been there. Especially when we’re dealing with family or even large groups of friends, we find ourselves suppressing our voices to keep the peace or go with the flow. There’s nothing wrong with compromise, except when we silence ourselves.
Her resolution made me think: We were given our voices, needs and desires for a reason, and we owe it to ourselves, and the world, to let ’em fly free, no matter how big or small. Really want cheese fries for breakfast? Say so. Want your relatives to stop commenting on your parenting once and for all? It’s time to stand your ground.
This month, you’ll hear from Rebellious women – and men! – who are bucking convention and have stopped “whatever”-ing their way through life, from hilarious Chicago comedian Kristen Toomey, to outspoken author Samantha Irby, to gentlemen body positivity blogger Kelvin Davis, to the legendary Jane Fonda.
I hope their stories inspire you to always speak up and speak out.
What else will make your half-year resolutions list?
In Rebellion,
Karen