Over the long Christmas weekend I was at home with my family in my parents' home in Franklin, MA. What a great opportunity it was to relax, drink wine, eat my mom's southern cooking, and cozy up to a book of Winston Churchill quotes. I mean, what other way to celebrate Christmas by reflecting on the "wit and wisdom" of one of the greatest leaders of our time, right? Ok, maybe that's just me. But as I was reading this book, which is filled with everything from famous quotes to coined phrases to Churchill's personal reflections, one quote particularly hit me. The quote said, "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." After reading it back a few times, it hit me: no one says bold things like this anymore. We've entered a time where everyone is encouraged to "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" and "stay connected" and "don't burn your bridges" etc.. but couldn't one argue that there is a time and a place to actually burn those bridges, end communication, and move forward with your life? Trust me, I'm a big advocate of building relationships and working through conflict and sticking with people even through major adversity, but I feel as I live longer on this earth, I'm also becoming a big advocate for only keeping people in my life who are adding true, real value. It's becoming clear that when I stand up for myself and advocate for my own self worth, it's one of the most empowering feelings in the entire world. I've learned this year that I don't have to please everyone; I don't have to "keep in touch" with everyone- I can actually choose who I want in my own little world, on my terms. I've learned more than ever this year that I don't have to be all things to all people. And when you do this, you close those certain "doors" whether that's friendships, relationships, clients, etc.. the most amazing thing happens: windows open. And I mean seriously big windows, full of opportunity and possibility. I can promise you that as we enter 2012, I will no longer straddle both sides of the fence or attempt to have people, relationships, work, or whatever both ways. I will stand up for what I believe in to my core, and if I make enemies in the process, so what? I will always know that I did the right thing for me.
If you haven't read anything on Winston Churchill yet, I encourage everyone to download one of the many books written about his life. It's truly inspiring and also hysterical.
-M
