I'm that person that is facebooking, watching tv, and petting their dog at the same time. In another one of those uber multitasking moments of my day on Tuesday last week, I read a tweet from Shauna Niequist informing her followers that she was going to be speaking at event called "Bittersweet Breakfast" where she was going to be reading from her book, Bittersweet, and leading some discussion all while enjoying some breakfast treats. I immediately signed up to attend the event without hesitation. My dear friend Jodi bought me this book for Christmas this past year and it saved me. I read the book in less than 2 days. Shauna validates all the crazy thoughts and emotions women have, helps "calm the crazy," and celebrates what the good and bad that come with change. I have recommended this book to many friends and even a few strangers. So, now you can see why I had to go to the Bittersweet Breakfast.
Being the super fan that I am, I brought my book along hoping that I could possibly get Shauna to sign it. When I was checking in, Shauna walked in and I instantly got nervous. She is like a celebrity to me. I feel like we are BFFs because she is so open in her books, tweets, and blog posts. I picked a table near the front with 2 women who looked to be my age. I'm pretty sure that I kept staring at her before she actually started speaking. She started off talking about why she wrote her 2 books (3rd in the works!!) and what Bittersweet was all about - change and the bitter & sweet parts it brings and then read a few sections. She posed 2 questions to the group & asked to discuss at our table.
What are some of the things that you feel created or called to do?
In order to do those things, what are some things you don't do?
I feel that I was created and called to be a Mom, make things, nuture, and celebrate others. Some of things that I don't do in order to make these things a reality are say no, put myself first, and truly relax and shut down. I was surprised at how open the group of women at my table were, even me. One woman said "Nothing - I do feel I was created or called to do anything." I made a great connection with one of the women at my table and look forward to keeping in touch. During the break, I worked up the courage to go introduce myself to Shauna and get her autograph. With tears in my eyes, I shook her hand and told her "your book saved me." She smiled, stood up, and gave me the kind of hug your best friend gives you. We chatted for a few minutes and she offered to sign my book before I could even ask. The rest of the morning was nothing short of amazing. I spoke with Shauna again after the event and thanked her for her candor, honesty, and sincerity.
How would you answer those 2 questions? The answers will most likely change as the seasons in your life change. The questions should be hard to answer but not impossible. If you can't answer the questions, ask someone who knows you best when you seemed the most happy, the most passionate, the most fulfilled AND the most resentful, the most depleted, the most tired.
