Write About Judgment

"We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit."
                                                 - e.e. cummings

Before naturalist Charles Darwin sailed on the Beagle, his father tried to talk him out of embarking on the journey. Calling it a "wild scheme" and "useless undertaking," Darwin's father urged him to give up his adventure. At this time Darwin already had established his reputation as an author of note. He paid no attention to his father's words and sailed to discoveries.

Do you recall someone who tried to dissuade you from an adventure? How did it affect an event in your life? Did the negative influence motivate you to go beyond and "show them"?

Reflect upon how someone else provided a positive impact: a coach, parent, mentor or friend. Did you feel a surge of self-esteem?  What did it feel like?

Creative Write: Recall a time when someone responded to your project or prospects with an attitude.  Write about how you disproved their judgment.