It’s one thing to know things intellectually about ourselves, and as an academic, I am really good about intellectualizing feelings and rationalizing things. I can persuade myself and provide analysis about my thoughts, feelings, actions. And almost everything I’ve ever put my whole mind and heart and sheer will into, I have achieved.

But, there is still a huge difference in knowing “intellectually” certain things about myself and others and enacting and internalizing n my day to day life. Remembering and knowing our happiness is our own responsibility is different than enacting it and living it.

Realizing this power is one of the things I take with me into my 40s. I like thinking about the shine and my place in the world. How exciting.

I am quite fortunate to have some amazing friends who also enact this power and shine. 🙂