I have learned a great lesson from Simone Biles. The country was disappointed when she pulled out of the Olympics. I was hoping to see her absolutely kill it and continue to make history bringing home gold medals, but the truth is that she did something even more magnificent.
Simone raised the white flag and took time for her mental health. The pressure of the world with every eye waiting for her to perform took a toll. While the timing was not wonderful, Simone did something that seemed unimaginable. She stopped and listened to her mind and body. She trained like never before to do the impossible. She was ready, but her mind was not. Simone knew the best thing to do for herself was to not compete and support her team. And she did this with style and grace. In the end, she taught all watching that caring for herself was most important.
Simone helped me make a difficult decision. I am stepping down from my position with Chrysalis Consulting Center. I was the right person to help co-create the ministry but now I realize it is time to focus on other things. I wish my colleague and friend, Rev. Dr. Kelly Brooks all the best. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to work with Chrysalis in the future, but for now, I will be Kelly’s biggest cheerleader.
Stepping away from things is not always a bad thing. Some think you are a failure if a project is not seen through to completion. That is how I feel about most things, but in this instance, my mental health needed to come first. Sometimes passions and desires change. The only problem with this is when we do not pay attention to our needs.
I am busy with my pastoral appointment and continue to work on my requirements for ordination. I also hope to get back into the work that I love…advocating in the rare disease community.
There is always plenty to do. I am just grateful I listened to my heart.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- Cookie Crusades!
- fresh tomatoes
- Ugandan masks and jewelry
- big earrings
- my clergy group
