Header Logo
Services
Newsletter
Subscribe Read Past Issues
Media About Contact
Log In
← Back to all posts

Are you brave enough?

May 06, 2026
Connect

So, I take a week off every quarter. It gives me a reset so I can pour into my clients and other people I do life with — like you!

That was last week. And so I’m officially back in office, and coming back sometimes requires a little extra fuel.

For me this week, that was two things: Stress Mints (if you know, you know) and Dove chocolates. 

While catching up on all the wins and celebrations everyone had while I was away, I decided to treat myself to a dark chocolate.

I accidentally tore the wrapper (might have been a liiiittle too excited to nom away). But once I saw what the wrapper said, I pieced the message back together because I knew I had to share it with you.

(⬇️ Btw, watch instead of reading, or read on below.)

Are you brave enough?

It said:

"Be brave enough to be bad at something new."

It hit me right between the eyes. How often do we, as adults, actually give ourselves permission to be bad at things? 

Think about it.

We never got mad at our kids when they fell down learning to walk. Or when they crawled because it was faster. We didn't shame them. We cheered them on and said, "Come on, you can do it!"

Yet with ourselves, that negative self-talk takes over the second we aren't "perfect" at a new skill or a new habit. 

What if we just tried? Who cares if we're bad at it? It’s new!

I ended up opening a second chocolate (because one is never enough, let's be real) and it felt like the perfect follow-up: "Look how far you've come."

When you have the courage to start something new—even when you’re "bad" at it, even when things don't go your way, even when it's a struggle—you eventually get to look back and see the ground you've taken.

And when you do look back, notice the people behind you. I promise there are people paying attention to your journey who are looking to learn from your bravery.

They're there, even if you don't think they are. Look harder.

I love doing life with you, and I’m so glad we can link arms in the messy, imperfect "middle" of growth.

I’d love to hear from you:

  • What is one "brave thing" you’ve been thinking about giving a whirl?
  • Where can you give yourself permission to be a beginner again?
  • And finally, look back: What's a brave thing you've done, and who might it have inspired?

Reply and let me know where you're at on any of those. I'm cheering you on!

Love doing life with you,

Dawn

Responses

Join the conversation
t("newsletters.loading")
Loading...
Here’s the bottom line (literally)
  BLUF The Reality: A trusted client gave me a hard truth...my newsletters are way too long. (Ouch! But message received.) The Action Step: Momentum happens when we invite trusted people to show us blindspots—and then actually adjust. My new adjustment: respecting your time. From now on, you’ll get the bottom line right here so you never miss the gold, even on your busiest days. BLUF = Botto...
Before October slips away, read this
  BLUF The Reality: Between holidays and year-end events, Q4 evaporates and life happens to you faster than any other quarter The Action Step: Pause this week to name your heart's desires, block your non-negotiables, and protect your time before the holidays hit BLUF = Bottom Line Up Front On paper, all four quarters are pretty much the same length. ~90 days altogether. ~60 days if you stri...
Why I needed a nap on Monday
  BLUF The Reality: Draining days happen when things out of your zone of genius fill your plate...instead of work that fills your cup The Action Step: When you're drained, do a quick brain dump of what you did that day, so you can recognize what's zapping your energy BLUF = Bottom Line Up Front I had one of those "Mondayest" Mondays this week. It was kind of a free day. Filled mostly with a...

Do Life Together

I’d love to link arms with you. I send weekly stories and real-talk guidance to help you build a life you love, whatever the season.
Footer Logo
Media About Contact
Services
© 2026 Cornerstone

Stay Connected


Join my mailing list to receive free weekly tips and insights!