2011
2011. I know…blogging about learnings from 2011 is so ugh…last year. But in my attempt to break the silence of my blog (I’ve been experiencing a major case of writers block) I’m going to share a few lessons I learned…then I’m off to bed.
Tell the truth. Earlier this year, I had a male friend whom I was spending a lot of time with. Women never want to assume (Yes guys, you have to spell it out). So I didn’t. A few months had gone by, we were still hanging out. One day, he asked me to the movies. And because I cared about our growing friendship, I felt compelled to excuse myself from possibly jumping the gun but that I wanted to make sure we were on the same page. Turns out, we weren’t. Suffice to say, we aren’t friends anymore (his choice) but he did say something to me before we parted ways that shaped how I would deal with situations — many times awkward and uncomfortable — where I had to be brutally honest.
And in some weird way, this was the best text you ever sent me. Thank you for being honest.
Must admit, best text I ever got.
Speak up. My heart started to race. Should I or should I not? She might think it’s a stupid question! I felt my blood rush through my veins as I walked up to the mic. Waiting patiently for my turn, I felt nervous at the thought of my voice cracking. I began to recite my life scripture in my head. Marissa Mayer pointed at me to signal that it was my turn to ask a question. In 20 seconds, it was over. Martha Stewart went on for two minutes to share her tips on how to make it fun in the kitchen for those like me who don’t naturally like to cook. A few people came up to me afterwards to say it was a brilliant question and that they actually shared the same sentiment.
Did I really have a burning desire to learn how to make it more exciting in the kitchen? Not particularly. But I did it for a more important reason — to overcome my fear of speaking (or asking a question) in front of hundreds of people. It may sound trivial to some but our fears — whatever they are to each of us — are never such. They are a very big deal. No one in the room would have even noticed, but at that moment, I felt more accomplished about having been courageous enough to face my fears head on than anything I’ve done in awhile.
I’ve taken more risks since then. Since the new year, I have this awesome new role at work I’m excited about. Great things happen when you speak up.
Act like it. It was only early December and I had gotten most of my holiday shopping done. My phone rings. It’s my mom. Anne, drop off your presents today so I can start wrapping them for you. I thought twice and before blurting out the usual, “OK mom!”, I said instead, “I think I’ll wrap my own presents this year.”
I don’t know about you but when it comes to being an independent woman, I take pride in being able to claim to be one. And for the most part, I am. Except…when it’s not convenient and you have a very hands on mother who will break her back to serve you. Wrapping my gifts (sometimes even her own), sorting out my mail, cooking me breakfast, cleaning my apartment…tiny little, trivial tasks yet somehow sum up to the fact that I can still be a little girl at times.
I’m 33 years old. A grown woman. I [finally] know how to purchase, transport and put up my own Christmas, without needing my mom, or any man’s, help. Proud.
Have faith. 1 hr 15 min. until my flight leaves. I made great time! I reached the counter, handed the flight attendant my driver’s license and credit card in exchange for my boarding pass. She looked at me with confusion in her gaze. Ms. Espiritu, I don’t see a flight in the system for you. Can you give me your confirmation number? I searched my email and my body froze for a split second. I had gone to the wrong airport and after two weeks of traveling, the thought of staying another second away from home was out of the question. Lord, if you get me home tonight, I will know, without a shadow of a doubt, it’s a miracle. I ran outside, hailed a cab and asked the driver how long it would take to get the Dulles Int. Airport. 1 hr and 15 min….one hour if we’re really lucky. The entire ride there, I prayed hard. But somehow, I knew God would come through for me. And He did so in a way that would pave the way on how I would approach situations that seem hopeless in the human eye. After all, “nothing is impossible through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
I was the last passenger to board the plane.
Be you. He knows you from the basketball community. I don’t think you guys have met but he says you’re known as a really nice Christian woman. If there is one thing I will ever want to be known as that holds true value and prestige in my eyes, it is as a Christ-centered woman. Nothing else compares.
Suffice to say, best compliment I have ever received.
