Better late than never... vulnerable.

Am I late to the party?

Several years ago, I enthusiastically shared a mind-blowing bit of new (to me) information with a colleague. I’ll never forget the moment when, after a pause, they smirked and said, “Welcome to the party.”

“Oh,” I thought, “old news.”

In the moment, I caught my stomach sinking as I watched that reaction take the wind out of my sails. I felt small, diminutive, irrelevant. Whether they intended to make me feel this way—which, for the record, I believe they did not—is irrelevant to my story. I felt what I felt. Now what?

Deep breath, first.

Acceptance and affirmation: yes, I had something exciting and valuable to share (new information!). Which, yes, fell flat when I sought to convey it. And yes, now I feel slighted, dismissed.

It’s one thing to tout, “never let anyone steal your joy,” or enthusiasm, no matter where you are in your journey to discovering Life’s mysteries. It’s another to practice it.

Another part of me rose to the occasion, with an internal pep-talk.

“Because really, “better late than never,” means you come as you are.”

“Welcome to the party? Here I am bringing the party. I AM the PARTY! And also if I’m late, at least I’m fashionable.” #rawr

#RealTalk: If you’ve ever felt diminished when you found some wonderful new insight or discovery, you know what I’m talking about here. I hope you have a voice inside (like my inner-cheerleader) to remind you that you belong at this party. Because really, “better late than never,” means you come as you are.

Bring your vulnerability. Bring your unabashed enthusiasm.

Especially when you’re celebrating your growth and development. Because it is worth it; you are worthy.

And you belong here.

— yours truly,

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