Lean In

He texted,

“Lean in.”

My friend wasn’t talking about my posture or the need to physically lean forward. He was talking about the courage it takes to stand in front of 10,000 people, bare your soul, and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Rewind to 2017, at a Tony Robbins event in Los Angeles. I was stuck. I had tried many things to overcome what was holding me back, but nothing had fully worked. I knew I needed Tony’s help—and getting it meant standing up in front of an entire stadium.

I was terrified and trembling, but I knew I needed to “lean in.” I wanted growth and healing more than I wanted the safety of staying comfortable.

My friend’s words reminded me that the biggest obstacle standing between me and the growth, success, and positive change I wanted wasn’t the crowd, my fear, or my past.

It was me.

And if I wanted my life to change, I had to be willing to lean in.

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“Lean in” was my friend’s reminder that with a little courage and belief in myself, I could take the first step toward almost anything. Hiding in my shell and playing the victim might have been easier, but it would have kept me stuck.

Standing in the middle of that arena with thousands of eyes on me, I found my voice—albeit a soft one. I bared my soul. I cried, laughed, grew, came out of my shell, and eventually stepped into my power. I even roared like a fierce little tigress.

Years have passed, and whenever I need a dose of courage, I quietly tell myself, “Lean in.” When I need to be fully myself, keep going, or summon a little more strength, those two words remind me that growth requires courage, resilience, and perseverance.

If I were standing beside you during a difficult season, I’d come close, give you a big ol’ hug, and share the same advice my dear friend gave me all those years ago:

“Lean in.”

Believe in yourself. Come out of your shell. Stop watching your life from the sidelines and start creating the bold, beautiful, joy-filled life you want.

Become determined.

The people around you need you to rise. But more importantly, you need you to rise.

Because the only person who can convince you to come out of your shell, lean into life, and begin making changes today is… you.

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