“You know what breaks me? When someone is visibly excited about a a feeling or an idea or a hope or a risk taken, and they tell you about it but preface it with: “Sorry, this is dumb but…” Don’t do that. I don’t know who came here before me, or who conditioned you to think you had to apologize or feel obtuse. But not here. Dream so big it’s silly. Laugh so hard it’s obnoxious. Love so much it’s impossible. And don’t you ever feel unintelligent. And don’t you ever apologize. And don’t you ever shrink so you can squeeze yourself into small places and small minds. Grow. It’s a big world. You fit. I promise.” – Owen Lindley

That preface? Yep. That’s me. I use this. I use it a lot.

Although I had never even given it a second thought until reading the above quote.

I often find myself feeling the need to put up that little verbal barrier before putting my thoughts or ideas out there – especially if it feels particularly different/outside the mainstream. I have no idea why. Maybe I’ve worried about being perceived as weird? I’m not sure.

I tend to think of myself as being pretty self aware, but this was a bit of an ah-ha for me. I guess I will start being more mindful of what I say — and the thoughts that lead to the words.

In the meantime, I will not be apologizing for fawning over my neighbors’ garden. The flowers have been ridiculously beautiful this spring.

This is the first time the clematis has bloomed since they planted it four years ago.

How great is it to have a gorgeous world in which there is always, always something to marvel over. How great is it to have the gift of a new day to apply the things we learn and grow even just a little. I’m feeling tremendously grateful.

Sorry, not sorry.