LEAD BOLDLY: Can you catch the ball?

by Julie Jakopic  - September 5, 2024

Last weekend. I had the grand nephews here for the last weekend of the pool and summer.

The seven-year old wanted to play catch with a ball in the pool. Which we did for about 40 minutes.

If you’ve known me for any length of time, my usual comment about sports that involve round projectiles is, “I don’t know why we’re supposed to catch them. Why wouldn’t we just get out of the way?” And that sentiment was born out of being really bad at it as a kid.

But there I was on Monday. Catching the ball most of the time. And halfway through the game, I realized that was true. That without thinking about it, which might in fact be the secret, I had countered a lifelong belief that I couldn’t play catch.

Now let’s be honest, it was a small inflatable ball that, if it did hit me, wouldn’t hurt. And it was in the pool, which is water and my happy place. But it turns out this thing I’ve believed my whole life, that I can’t catch a ball, turns out to be untrue. I am in no place to suddenly want to become a professional. But I can catch a ball.

And I wonder what else I’m good at that I have said I can’t do. What is it you’re good at that you tell yourself you’re not?

Have a great week,

Julie

What I’m learning this week: After a week of travel and proposal writing, I need a creative fix. So this week, I am playing with paint. It’s been a minute. Time to pull out the bigger, messier stuff not just the watercolors.

Where am I headed? Sept 19-22 I’ll be in Orlando getting some training for me, and when I get home, Sept 24-25, I’ll be with Professional Women in Advocacy. Come join me!

P.S. Have feedback on anything in this newsletter? I take compliments and complaints! You can reply or DM me on Facebook or LinkedIn! What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Let me hear them!

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