A Business Idea Rekindled
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”
Brene Brown
A friend of mine and I have been discussing some personal things that center around this idea of personal growth, discovery, and healing. Yes, therapy came up, but so did self-help books. One of our favorite authors of this genre is Brene Brown. In particular, her book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are has helped and is helping us through challenging seasons in our lives.
I read the book years ago, but its impact has stayed with me. As part of my exercise for my next therapy session, I am to think of a time when I first felt overwhelmingly anxious in my life. I recruited my mom to help me recall instances when my anxiety was just too much to bear. I know that anxiety and perfectionism (which I also struggle with) go hand in hand, so I asked her to help me recall moments when I may have taken it to the extreme. With Mama’s help, I have come to the realization that my symptoms of social anxiety did not come about until adulthood. Educational/career paths that I chose for myself just did not suit me, as they caused excess stress, which, for me, can be perilous.
Today, as I reflected on my therapy exercise, I simply read the title of Brene Brown’s book. I always thought that I was supposed to pursue a career in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field for reasons that I will explain in another post. Ultimately, though, that just was not in the cards for me. Mama said that I am not alone; a lot of people change paths.
And then, I remembered it – a business idea that I had come up with back in 2016 while I was manic. I had even started a business proposal and saved it to my Google Drive. As I read it over, I came across these words I wrote years ago: Participants may decide to change their path or even their end goal. Our vision incorporates and encourages such dream development and transformation.
It’s time to get to work.
Signed,
Lai
