That’s how I felt after a recent conversation.
Stupid. Incapable.
So I stopped. Took a breath. And gave myself a few minutes to scan across my past — to find the origin of this old, painful story.
It took me back to 3rd grade, struggling to memorize multiplication tables.
Then even further — Kindergarten, public school, sitting in front of a color-coded reading series with very specific expectations. At a meeting, my parents and my teacher were talking about me. I remember it so clearly.
My mom — supportive and strong — said, “She’s a good reader. Maybe she just doesn’t enjoy the books you’re forcing everyone to read.”
Go, Mom.
Even then, I understood something:
There were things I loved to read, and
There were things I literally couldn’t read.
If a book is poorly written, uninteresting, or irrelevant (to me), my brain just… freezes. I read the same sentence over and over. I get stuck.
And this still happens today.
📖 Reading as Escape — And Why I’m Proud of That
It can take me hours to comb through books before I find the one.
But when I do?
When I find something that’s well-written, engaging, and alive with meaning — I can completely lose myself in it.
Yes, I use reading to escape.
And I’m proud of that now, even if other people don’t relate.
Reading is my way to journey — to explore a different place, time, idea, or story.
Not all the time, because I’ve designed a life I like being in.
Being present is important. I coach this idea often — especially when someone is being hard on themselves.
But there’s also something beautiful about that alternate time and space we can visit in our minds.
A mental vacation.
A breath of imagination.
A reminder that there’s more than this moment — especially when this moment is filled with pain or self-doubt.
I’ve worked hard to become a capable, grounded adult.
So no wonder I sometimes retreat into other worlds when this one gets too sharp.
That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
So Today, I Choose Something Different
I’m letting go of those old words — the ones that still echo sometimes when I feel small.
Today, I commit to a new truth:
I am strong. 💪
I am capable. 😍
We Are Born Into Wonder
Our children begin life in a place of curiosity and creativity.
I watch my dog do unexpected things with joy and freedom.
And not once have I ever told my dog that they were stupid or incapable.
So when did we start saying that to ourselves?
What do you say to yourself?
What’s the opposite — the real truth of who you are?
A Creative Life Is a Strong Life
Daydreaming.
Art.
Books.
Games.
All creative expressions are not distractions. They are the seeds of resilience, strength, and growth.
So here’s to leaning into a joyful life.
A healthy, creative self.
A mind that wanders with purpose — and returns with wisdom.
No matter what they say.
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