Hi Judy,

Thank you so much for taking a minute to read and reply with a great personal example.

I think what gets people stuck at times is getting sucked into “Why do I always do this?” or “Now, I’ve done it” or “I can never do anything right” thinking. This puts us in a sort of victim mode, where it’s difficult to see that we have any personal agency.

I also think (hopefully!) well-meaning people (I’m thinking of the typical “motivational speaker,” at the moment) offer the “pulled-myself-up-from-my-bootstraps” American Dream story as an attempt to inspire personal responsibility. Instead, many are left with self-blame and guilt, which only serves to perpetuate a less-than-desirable situation.

That’s why I really appreciate that you honor those role models who came into your life and showed you your own power to “tell a different story.” No one is successful without the help and support of guides, mentors, and role models along the way.

And, sometimes we need the swift-kick-in-the-pants, tell-it-to-me-straight kind of support that the character in the novel offered.

Thanks again for adding so much to the conversation, Judy.

Such a simple, yet such a powerful idea you have presented us with. Now I need to go get Spanbauser’s book.