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Listen

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Most of the time no one hears her. 

Most of the time people assume that to be poor is to uninterested in all the things that interest her more–politics, real estate, the governance of nations, the rise of fashion, the plight of kings.  Few imagine the dreams she has about her school on the field, her children in her arms, her thoughts gathered in books, her expertise the wisdom of a strong and sustainable circle.

Don’t be fooled by her smile.  Lean in.  Listen.  And then lean in closer. 

She is telling you the secret of happiness.  She is telling you to know what you know.  She is asking you to erase from your mind this idea that to be poor is to be simple, that to sweep the counter in the coffee shop is her American dream.  She is asking you to listen to the sound of her ambition rising as tells the manager she’ll need more money.  Now.  Or this job is toast.

She knows better than anyone you’ve ever met what it means to survive.  She has memorized in exquisite detail, the sound of success.  She is ready to speak her power now.  She is ready to learn from yours.  She will show you what it means now to own your voice, to speak your truth, to refuse to be put under.  She will teach you all this and more, if you will do this:

Listen.  And then listen some more.

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Who do you need to lean in to today with your lens like a magnifying glass showing the way?  Get up close and personal and show us your sage, your guide, your inspiration–the one who makes you want to shut up and listen to everything wise and good.

 

 

Comments

  22. I love you Jen Lemen!! Jen .. you speak my heart over and over again. I dream of saying the things you say. Of saying them so gently and with such respect and compassion. Yet so full of strength and power and fight.

    I will think about your question …