Sometimes the best things for us are things we’d never ask for. Hardships that blow away the chaff. Unrest that causes us to dig deeper. Pain that makes us reach out.

When do you choose to be brave? At the beginning or the end? What is worth defending, worth being brave for?

Pieces fall into place. Some planned, and some that occur in the spur of the moment. Acknowledging their presence, welcoming them in, it’s all apart of the adventure.

Underlying motivation matters. Why do you do what you do? And for the opinions of those around you, those you agree with and disagree with, do you understand their motivation?

A subpar performance that’s praised at a high level sits poorly with all. The recipient knows the feedback is exaggerated and begins to second guess at their abilities. The deliverer of the feedback feels unsettled because although they’re trying to be helpful they know the work isn’t up to the standard it’s being paraded to…