Everyone is familiar with show & tell; you pick something out, bring it to school, and show it off to all your friends. I used to be so indecisive about what to bring: my Native American flute, my dog (tried every time), my American girl doll, something that belonged to my great grandma..

Not only did this activity help develop our public speaking skills as children, but it also encouraged us to share what is important to us, what we are proud of, and what we love the most.

So why is show & tell only considered an elementary age activity? Why are kids encouraged to brag about the things in their life, but as adults, it is an un-tasteful behavior? 

As we grow up, we are taught to make a good impression on others, whether that’s in a professional setting or a personal one. We are told not to brag about ourselves, and are too scared to admit to our weaknesses or short comings. So naturally, in response, we begin to suppress our true selves out of fear of rejection, and so often, start to mold our behavior, personality, and thoughts according to what we think society and people want or like.

WELL SCREW THAT! 

We are all amazing people, living amazing lives, and doing amazing things. We should be encouraged to express what we are most proud of, love the most, and are excited about!

BRING YOURSELF TO SHOW & TELL!

Stop waiting to be proud of yourself, stop waiting to be happy with yourself, stop waiting for that one thing to happen for you to love your life. Bring yourself to show & tell and embrace all the things that make you, YOU! And… “Don’t you dare shrink yourself for someone else’s comfort”

We have a tendency to view our lives in the lens of what could be better, whats not going right, what we wish we had, what we wished we looked like, and what we compare ourselves to. How often do you focus on your DAILY wins? How often do you compliment yourself on your accomplishments- big or small? How often do you truly admire your beauty? How often do you show yourself off to others?

HERE’S MY CHALLENGE TO YOU!  Practice show & tell, by sharing, or journaling, about the top 5 things you admire, are most proud of, and love the most about yourself! It’s ok to brag from time to time 😉

Together we can create a safe space, where everyone feels comfortable bringing themselves to show and tell; where people are empowered and excited to embrace who they are in their entirety.

So to start things off… Here is my Show & Tell (the good and “the ugly”):

1. I am pursuing my Masters (I am not waiting to be proud of myself for when I finish my program, I am proud now!)
2. I am a control freak! Type A gal who loves to be right, loves things a certain way, color codes, and doesn’t like to feel out of control.
3. I am proud of myself for listening to my body. The grace I’ve given myself to take things slow as I gain my strength back after being sick with pneumonia.
4. I talk in my sleep ALL THE TIME. If you talk to me, I will respond.. will it make sense? Definitely not.
5. I love the path I am on, the life I’m living, but still have doubts and insecurities that I am working on.

I would love to hear more about you! COMMENT BELOW with your SHOW AND TELL!