If I push too hard, it’s because things aren’t moving fast enough.

Difficult. Stubborn. Shrill.

Those have all been words people have said about me by men. Because I go all in when I believe in something.

One of my favorite quotes comes from the character Leslie Knope. “If I seem to passionate, it’s because I care. If I come on strong, it’s because I feel strongly. And if I push too hard, it’s because things aren’t moving fast enough.”

I am moving fast right now. I am pushing hard right now. And I know that some people will say things. But I’m also in a space where I can tune out the noise, and turn to my people.

In my 30s I have learned that relationships need nourishment. It’s like having a plant. You should check in on a plant. You should see if it needs anything like water or sunlight. If it needs something, you don’t critique it - you respond to it. Because a plant needs those things to survive. You don’t tell the plant it’s being difficult for having dry soil. You water it.

Saying a cruel word is a way hurt people release hurt. And it used to really hurt me. But the more life I live, I also know those words are not actually about me, but about the people who said them.

My advice for anyone feeling the negative words of others is to simply surround yourself with community. Find your people, who support your passion and your journey. Without judgement.

Because you are capable of amazing things. Push hard friends.