I just finished reading Kelle Hampton’s book, Bloom. In this book she shares the story of the birth and first year of life with her daughter who was born unexpectedly with Down syndrome. If you decide to read this book, which I strongly recommend, don’t even start it without some form of Kleenex nearby. Otherwise you will probably end up like me and find yourself using your nightgown, t-shirt, or pillowcase to dry your eyes and wipe your nose which is pretty much disgusting. You just get desperate because you’re basically sobbing but can’t stop reading long enough to do any different.
I know that doesn’t sound like fun and probably won’t help her book sales, but there is something about this lady that makes you love and respect her so much. She shares honestly about her disappointments and fears. She is also determined throughout to embrace life completely and live it “like a rock star”. Her story is inspiring on so many levels, what I found most inspiring was her ability to be vulnerable and to allow the strength of others carry her when she couldn’t walk on her own. To me that is such unbelievable courage.
I was inspired by the way she shares everything from her joyous expectation to her overwhelming grief with the people she loves. I recognized in myself the pattern of playing down the important events in my own life. I tell myself I am being humble by not assuming other people want to get super involved in things that are important to me. The truth is that by downplaying important events or goals in my life I am trying to protect myself from disappointment. I recognized the truth when I read it in Brene Brown’s book The Gifts of Imperfection,
“It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve learned that playing down the exciting stuff doesn’t take away the pain when it doesn’t happen. It does, however, minimize the joy when it does happen. It also creates a lot of isolation. Once you’ve diminished the importance of something your friends are not likely to call and say, ‘I’m sorry that didn’t work out. I know you were excited about it.’ ”
So, let me share with you that I am going to take a leap with my seminars and begin classes through the night school program. I alternate between totally terrified and just mild jitters thinking about how to format the classes and guide the conversation. I can also tell you that I am thrilled and oh so grateful for this awesome opportunity. I’ll keep you posted!