When I asked the Novelista Barista for a topic to write my guest post on- she suggested something about coffee or maybe something inspirational or just to write whatever I want! I contemplated telling a few funny stories about my experience as a barista during college, but most of those usually turn out to be “guess you had to be there” moments. So I tried to brainstorm about what inspires me…ummmm…ehhhhh… this shouldn’t be this hard should it? Gosh, there is nothing more uncomfortable than an awkward silence between you and your thoughts- but then my sorted memory pulled through and I recalled something that could perhaps be a perfect combination of the two topics. That’s when I remembered the day I saw this…
The Way I See It #17:
"The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no" - they may not be smart enough to say "yes."
-- Keith Olbermann (broadcast journalist)
I would have never guessed that something on a Starbuck’s cup would follow me for over a year after I first read it between sips of my Non-fat Caramel Macchiato. I remember after reading this quote I got this rousing feeling inside. The old “I can do anything!” motto ran around my head. Yes- that’s right- I could hear the patriotic drums of freedom and independence ringing in my ears. When my melodramatics subsided, I really sat down to think about what this quote was trying to convey. Sure I was a believer of “it’s his loss, not mine” and when a door slams in your face- oh look! Another door! Of course these are over-used self-esteem building clichés, but they have a way of reminding you that, yes indeed, the sun always rises- at least until 2012. But I think the reason this coffee cup excerpt always catches my eye is because- I have yet to listen to its wisdom. I wish that I could walk around with a ‘who-cares-what-you-think’ attitude and a smile exploding with confidence, but life seems to keep serving me a warm plate of rejection at every turn. It’s hard to be sunny-side up when someone says “No” to something you really wanted- love, a job, forgiveness, a chance…
You can’t help but go through the self-deprecating banter that occurs inside your head.
What’s wrong with me?
Am I boring? Ugly? Fat? Worthless? Bland? Unqualified? Inexperienced? And the worst of all for me-- Not Good Enough?
Just thinking about the times when I have felt not good enough makes me cringe. On the other hand, there is a school of thought that would applaud my style of thinking- some call them pessimists, some just call them realists. It is focusing on what really happened instead of making up excuses for something that did not go your way. Realists cannot stand any type of sugar-coating what-so-ever. A realist might say, “The truth is… you’ve gained some weight since college and that is why that guy stood you up” VERSUS “He just couldn’t handle a strong, independent woman like yourself!”
Sometimes statements such as the latter seem silly when you read them- but is it really so bad? Who is it hurting? If it is helping you get on with your life and if it prevents you from spending another pointless second thinking about some douche-bag who ditched you- DO IT!
I think everyone has that inner battle between being real with yourself and looking on the brightside. All that matters though, is how it makes you feel inside- sure its good to recognize where you are at the present moment, but don’t you cherish the emotions that a quote like this stirs up inside you?
What I want to do is frame this quote and hang it where I will see it everyday. With all the negative things happening in the world today (war, poverty, unemployment, etc.), people deserve to think positively and to, at times, believe that the clouds are made of marshmallows. It’s simply human nature to get excited and inspired over a quote that makes us feel invincible. So thanks Keith Olberman- I will go pursue my dreams and I will not let someone tell me I’m not good enough! I say “hats-off” to Starbucks for keeping the dream alive, for using their coffee cups as a platform for inspiration, and for giving us that enjoyable emotion of hope that goes down as smoothly as a Pumpkin-Spice Latte on a crisp fall day.
*thank you Wonderlane for the perfectly fitting photo
