Can we all be Jolien Boumkwo this week?
Happy Humpday!
Did anyone else cry reading this story of Jolien Boumkwo last week? (You can see the video here.) Jolien is very talented in her field. Like all of us, she probably likes to win. But, when asked to do something she’d never done, in front of a massive global audience, with almost absolute certainty of coming in last place, she did it. And I love her for it.
She’s the people I want in my Uplifter squad: The people who jump over hurdles because anything is better than nothing. The people who do things they aren’t confident doing, who giggle when they look awkward, who celebrate showing up over winning prizes. These are the people who inspire me because I am not a gazelle. I am sometimes gawky, and usually goofy, and overly earnest, and my house is dusty, and I write lots of words without ever knowing if my punctuation is correct, but I’m still going to write them.
And you know what? Good things come from just doing things. Did she win her race? Not by a long shot. But, she inspired so many people to show up, so she’s a big winner in my books.
What could your inner Jolien Boumkwo say yes to this week, Uplifters?
Next up on The Uplifters Podcast
This Friday, you’ll meet Christina Testut, who was nominated for The Uplifters Podcast by her husband and daughter. Christina has been a teacher for over twenty years. Her passion for social-emotional learning in schools and her struggle with body image inspired her to write the children’s book, Embrace Your Features. When I first met Christina, she was getting lots of accolades for losing a significant amount of weight. But, despite all of the external validation, she realized she wasn’t truly happy, so she set off to find peace and self-acceptance. I can’t wait to share this beautiful and inspiring story with you on Friday!
Who would you like to hear from on The Uplifters Podcast?
Let’s leap hurdles together
What have you not done because you’re afraid of looking silly, getting laughed at, or not being great? Would you be open to letting me and some other Uplifters, including the wonderful Beth Raynor Webb, help you step boldly and bravely into action and channel your inner Jolien? Subscribe to sponsor The Uplifters Podcast and join us for our next workshop on July 19 where we will do exactly that! (We’ll send you a recording if you can’t make it live).
See you on Friday! In the meantime, Listen to the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube.
Let’s keep rising higher, together, 💓
Aransas