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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

Louise, that's quite a thought, and absolutely true. We show up in each moment equipped with everything we've experienced. It's helpful to remember how rich that experience is when we're facing the unknown. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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Jennifer Granville's avatar

It’s so true. I have so many selves. The trick is to pull the right one out at the right time. But it’s taken me a long time to figure that out. Almost too late now as I have no desire to go pitch anything any more - but useful in social gatherings….

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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

Jennifer I love the way you put it, "pull the right one out at the right time". Thank you.

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Louise Haynes's avatar

I agree that “just be yourself” isn’t very helpful.

There’s a line in “The Secret” that has stuck with me and that I tell my freshman students on the first day of class. “Everything you have been through, all the experiences of your life so far, have been to prepare you for this moment right now.”

Somehow, it acknowledges that we have so much experience behind us and that we can handle the challenge ahead. The sentences above tend to calm me down and give me strength when faced with making a pitch to a boardroom full of executives (at least, if I were ever in that situation 😉.)

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Jane Duncan Rogers's avatar

Great story Caroline. And I'd totally agree with those (somewhat irritating) words 'be yourself'. In this kind of case I'd usually say something like 'relax, breathe, let your creative juices flow out your mouth'. That allows room for some inspiration to come through :)

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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

Nice one, Jane. Do you have any suggestions for being able to access your creativity when stressed? Anxiety can tend to close down our imagination.

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Jane Duncan Rogers's avatar

For me, stopping everything and getting outside, usually for a brisk walk works wonders

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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

For me too.

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Part 2 Of Your (Love?) Life's avatar

I agree with this: 'Just be yourself' isn't necessarily very helpful or very wise advice. Even in dating. A piece of advice I got from my mother before I left home for university was, 'Be yourself, but be your best self.' Sometimes I find it very helpful to channel the woman I would like to be and aim to be.

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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

Bless your Mum for her support. Our parents really want us to be our best selves and certainly when I was young they didn't overthink the words they used. I love your guidance to self about channeling the woman you'd like to become. My very similar take is that somewhere out there, there's a version of me that's completely capable of thriving in that situation and I'm putting her in charge. Thank you for reading and restacking 💖

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