Shine on You Crazy Rebel :: Your Message Matters
Today is my 42nd Birthday. If you’ve ever read Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you know that my age is the answer to the meaning of life.
I didn’t wake up this morning with that answer to the meaning of life, but I do have an observation.
I have realized that for most of my life, I never felt like I really fit in.
I became a college professor at the ripe old age of 27! I related more to my students then I did to my colleagues who were at least a decade older than me and all had kids. While I love teaching and doing research, academic politics were far too much for me to navigate, so I sought refuge in the corporate world.
You’re probably thinking, “Michelle if you couldn’t handle academic politics, why were you crazy enough to think you’d be a better fit in corporate?”
You’re right, I didn’t fit in there either. I found myself biting my tongue, holding back on answers to a problems where I could see clearly see the solution, following leaders who I struggled to respect.
A cubicle couldn’t contain my creativity, so I started this blog which evolved into Communication Rebel. I created a place where I fit, and I hope you do, too. Now, I have the immense pleasure of helping people give their crazy, life changing ideas a voice.
What I’ve learned is that somewhere between the age of 38 to 42, you stop giving a shit about what people think. You stop worrying about if you’re smart enough, hold the right job title, or if “they” will like or respect you.
You embrace your rebel nature. It’s becomes far less about what other people think and more about finding your people who say “Yes, please! I’m glad you said it!” or even “No thank, but I’m glad you said it.”
Either is better than never saying what’s on your mind or what you know to be true.
To all of you misfits, rebels, instigators who didn’t fit in, who are not speaking your ideas, your truth, your story. Holding back on creating the change you want to see in your community, industry or the world.
This is my birthday wish for you:
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Shine on you crazy rebel.
Your message matters.
Your ideas count.
Don’t hold back.
Express your rants, your vision, and your quirkiness.
And start NOW.
Your most rebellious act in this world is becoming more of who you are.
Raising a glass of champagne in your honor,
