As some of you know, I’ve begun sharing some of the very powerful and beautiful messages I receive, as well as some of the nasty ones. The truth is I get many more beautiful and compelling messages than ugly ones, and it isn’t fair to share one but not the other.

These two messages speak for themselves. The first, from Sue, is about people who dare to put their ideas out into the world and live and work in the arena. The world is free of critics, and as Renee Brown points out, speaking out honestly is a triumph of high achievement, or so I believe. Obviously, these messages strike home for me.

It is not the critic or the scold that counts, it’s the artist or human being who puts him or herself out into the world for others to see.

The second is from a blog reader named Pete who lives on the other side of the country from me and who happens also to be a Donald Trump supporter.  I am honored to be trusted enough by him to share his perspective, one it is very important to hear. I thought Pete’s message was somewhat extreme, even paranoid,  but I’m glad he reads my blog. The sad thing is that both Pete (not his real name) and Sue never post their thoughts in public or on my blog because they fear being criticized or attacked.

So I am protecting their names and identities. It is an awful thing in our country to be afraid to speak one’s mind. But there is real value of both of their messages to me, and I thank them for honoring me with their trust.

Sue’s Message:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short  again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory or defeat.”  

-Brene  Brown     

Pete’s Message:

I follow your blog most days and catch up when I miss a few days. I have not supported it yet but I have purchased about 10 of your books. You are a masterful storyteller. You can make mixing pancake batter funny or interesting. I am a conservative Republican. I am sure we disagree on many things but I still like your work. I am not a bigot, I don’t think I smell but I do shop at Walmart. I don’t cling to my bible in fact I don’t know where it is offhand. I own guns and sometimes carry and firmly believe in the right to do so. I don’t hate anyone but can develop a strong dislike when given a reason. I think the 8 years before Donald Trump were miserable and much damage was done to our country. I did not rant or complain (much) I just went home and gave in to what the country voted for. I live in California. If I wore a MEGA hat or put a Trump sign in my yard or on my bumper my car would get keyed, rocks at my windows and if they could find out where I work would try to destroy my career and poison my dog if they could. I am pro-life but would not dream of taking anyone’s right to do otherwise away. My dog rides in the car with me and is laying on my feet as I type. I think you would find about half of the country (a growing half) feels the same way. I would not dream of criticizing anyone who feels differently, I just disagree. I love your blog and I will still be slapping the crap out of the Trump button when the time comes.
PS: please do not use my name or location on anything. It could be very dangerous. Keep up the good work