September 25, 2013

Be Radical


In a previous post I mentioned the radical nature of self-acceptance. It's counter-culture--our society prides itself on self-improvement, not self-acceptance. But I think we need a little more radical: radical acceptance, radical kindness, radical vulnerability. 

It's always easiest to start small. Here's a good internal trigger: I couldn't possibly do [fill in the blank]. For example, I couldn't possibly ask for help when all my friends are so busy; I couldn't possibly take a walk outside in the middle of a work day; I couldn't possibly say no to this great cause, even though I'm overloaded; I couldn't possibly make space in my day for yoga, meditation, or reflection; I couldn't possibly take a personal day to process difficult emotions; I couldn't possibly start a new hobby just for fun; I couldn't possibly show my vulnerability in front of another.

Yes, yes, we can. We can do these things and I invite us all to try. The next time we hear the internal voice--I couldn't possibly; that's radical (but secretly I want to try)--let's be radical. Take a radical step toward kindness, vulnerability, or acceptance. I'll be right beside you on the path.

7 comments:

  1. Oh, my. I love everything about this post. Thanks for sharing this perspective and challenge. I was just thinking today about how I want to make changes in my work day (e.g. take a walking break) -- thanks for the encouragement to be radical. :)

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    1. yes, steph, do it! we could both use a little more radical-ness--in the good ways. :)

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  2. Joy,
    You never fail to speak to my heart, but today you've hit the nail right on the head. (Enough that I'm inspired to be radical and share my thoughts with you!)
    The timing of this post could not be more perfect and I'm so thankful for it and for you. Thank you for your thoughtful insight and enduring encouragement. :)

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    1. emma! it's so good to hear from you. i hope you are well. yes, sweetie, be radically kind to yourself--you're worthy of it. sending you a long-distance hug.

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    2. Sending long distance hugs back your way! I'm so glad to see things are going so well for you on your new journey, and happy to say the same for mine :)
      I think of you often (especially in biostats class). It's a great reminder of how blessed we are to meet the people we do in our lives.
      Stay in touch!

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  3. Wow - I think this was written for me. :-) And I *love* the pictures - how fun!

    Jenny

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    1. jenny, thanks for leaving a comment. yes, the photo shoot was fun--it was the radical thing that generated this post. next time we're together, let's share something radical we've done. :)

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