The word: SHOULD. What I learned when the lady at the registrar told me I shouldn't go to college as a 17-year-old young mom.

I was a mom at 17 years old and learned early on what it was to be a leader in your own life.

I learned what it was to stand up for yourself when others didn’t see eye-to-eye with you.

I learned what it means to bypass judgment.

I learned what it was to stand in the face of adversity.

One of the more important things I learned was to seek guidance, not approval.?

Let me share a story.

It was the spring of 1991. I was standing in line at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, signing up for my classes as an incoming freshman.

The woman sitting behind the table looked at me with my pregnant belly and said, “You should rethink college right now. Or if you do choose to go, you should be a part-time student.”

Her gaze scanned my body.

The only reply I could muster was, “Thank you, but I will be fine as a full-time student.”?

I was angry. I was hurt.

She judged me by my appearance.

And she freely shared her thoughts on how my life should look.

Why "should statements" are dangerous:

• Should statements create negative thought patterns
• They contribute to our feelings of worry, doubt, and anxiety
• Should statements can create pressure and fear in a person's life, and perhaps guilt if we fail or don’t meet demands
• Should statements disempower us

Driving home that day, I cried alone in my car.

Her words represented much of society in 1991. This belief that you cannot go to college and be a young mom.

So I did what I learned at a young age: I used them to fuel my fire.

Sometimes words can break a person. And sometimes, they can strengthen a person.

Always remember that there will be people who doubt you.

And, there will be people who support you.

Signing up for classes each semester became another step in empowerment for me.

Graduating in 1995, I finished a five-year program in four years, carrying at times 19 credits a semester and classes in the summer.

Many professors invited my son to lectures when I couldn’t find childcare.

Mr. Personki wrote a poem to reflect a piece of artwork my son made while he sat on my lap in class.

What terrific examples of mentoring.

Leadership within our personal life requires us to blaze new trails and model what is possible for others.

I love seeking advice.

I love seeking guidance.

I love learning from others’ wisdom and experiences.

My true belief is that we are all here to educate and grow from one another.?

And sometimes, we learn more about ourselves by not agreeing with what others have to say.

Be careful in conversation when you tell others what they should do.

Ultimately, we have the power and wisdom to find our own answers.?

No one knows you better than you.

Give others the chance to do the same.

You can read more about how nature heals and guides in my book: Walk Through This: Harness the Healing Power of Nature and Travel the Road to Forgiveness.

Forward this to anyone you think could use it.

Ring the bell in my LinkedIn profile for daily motivation and learning.

And remember, we are NOW FILLING the last of our life-changing Grand Canyon Retreats! Yes, THESE ARE ENDING.?

Co-ed over Thanksgiving, and a co-ed and all-womens' retreat in January. 3-months of transformational coaching and a 5 or 6-day retreat in the Grand Canyon.

Reservations for our Co-Ed Thanksgiving Retreat MUST be in by October 13th!

Come learn and grow with us.?

Become the leader in your own life.

I'll teach you everything that I know.?

Click here to schedule a call and see if it's the right fit for you: FREE 1:1 Discovery Call

There's nothing I love more than deep-diving with all of you and seeing your life transform in the process.?

I love you.

xo,

Sara