Expression Takes Bravery

Expression - authentic expression - takes bravery. Especially expressing a part of ourselves that feels tender or controversial. 💗

To really express yourself means to risk rejection and disappointment. 💔

But to not express yourself means to risk NOT having the chance to be seen, heard, understood, and maybe even appreciated for all you have to offer. 😶

Free expression requires:

➡ loving ourselves enough to know we deserve to be seen and heard

➡feeling safe enough to open up to those around us

We can all agree that neither of those things is easy.

It is understandable, then, why so many are not able to freely express who they are, what they think, what they feel, or what they envision.

⚖ The risks are too high.

But some people can. And, as they do, they are slowly making it safer for everyone to show up fully. Bit by bit, they are ensuring that everyone gets more support, more understanding, and more welcoming acceptance. 👨‍👩‍👧 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 👨‍👨‍👧 👨‍👦‍👦 👩‍👧

🌈This month, I want to thank the brave members of the queer community who continue taking the risk to show up in the full expression of who they are.

I see you. I know this isn’t easy for you. I know it takes buckets of bravery. 🌟

I see the hope in your eyes and the vision you hold in your heart for a better world. I hear the PRIDE in your voice and I am proud to stand next to you.

It is so important for others in the queer community. And it is so important for 🔸ALL OF US🔸

It gives us all deeper inspiration and safer spaces to step into fuller expressions of who we are. Thank you for creating a more colorful world expanded by love and acceptance. 🌍 🌎 🌏

Leading Like an Artist 🎨 means bravely expressing your true self. It means practicing being in that vulnerable space where discomfort lives, but so does connection, belonging, and real change.

And it can be done in little ways any day, every day:
 
🔹perhaps you will express appreciation to someone who needs to hear it 
🔹perhaps you will ask for someone to listen to how you feel 
🔹perhaps you will wear that piece of clothing you are worried is "too much"
🔹perhaps you will make that creation in the way you REALLY want to
🔹perhaps you will risk sharing that hopeful vision in your heart with your team and invite them to be a part of it...

✨ Perhaps you will draw inspiration from the queer people in your life to show a bit more of yourself and, therefore, give others permission to do the same.

How does Pride month inspire you to lead yourself with fuller expression? 👇

Perhaps you will draw inspiration from the queer people in your life to show a bit more of yourself and, therefore, give others permission to do the same.

How does Pride month inspire you to lead yourself with fuller expression?