Borrowing My Bravest Self

If you want to make friends but hesitate, this mindset shift helps you take action

Guys - I love connecting with people!

I am here in Milan, immersed in the energy and magic of the Olympics. Connecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and strengthening ties in my current community. It’s the best. The world comes together to celebrate connection through sport and I’m here for as much of it as possible. It’s a bit of a marathon, and as I write on day 11 with 6 days to go, I’m a little tired but very motivated to keep going.

The best version of myself

I can’t say why, but since I was 18 years old and attended my first Olympic Games, this is where I became the best version of myself. The person that embodies the qualities I value most - confidence, positivity, adventure, courage, enthusiasm, friendliness, creativity, resourcefulness. These qualities, at least for me, attract abundance that comes to me, often in the form of connection. It’s like magic. And I feel really lucky to have this experience and to carry it with me in my life so that I know what the best version of myself feels like.

Sometimes I have conversations with this version of myself. When life is hard, this version of me can vibe high in spite of it all. She can go high, when everything feels low and she lives inside of me all the time. There is wisdom here and I can tap into it. When I need to be brave, I ask - What would she do?

Sometimes I forget that she is me. When there are too many days in a row that drain me, time passes and I lose sight of her. I get tired. It’s not always easy to tap into this spirit but when I do, I feel unstoppable.

So what does this have to do with making friends?

Here’s the takeaway

I need to tell you that this version of you lives inside of you too! The qualities that you value in you most are there. It may not include any of the qualities I listed above. We don’t all value the same qualities. And tapping into these qualities is possible for all of us. When you deeply connect with the best version of yourself it becomes easy to connect with others.

Is there a time and space when you felt like the best version of yourself? The next time you feel lonely, long to reach out to someone to make plans, or approach an acquaintance in your circle to become friends, consider but stop yourself out of fear, tap into the version of yourself that is braver this moment.

They are there. I promise.

In the words of A.A. Milne (or Rumi, depending on who you ask), “Always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”.

So be brave. Ask questions. Extend the conversation. And see what happens.

You’ve got this.

Until next time,

Elissa

P.S. If you’d like to try meeting people in a low stakes environment, get creative, and reach your goals, sign up for my weekly accountability club: Momentum Collective. We’re achieving our biggest dreams together and becoming the best versions of ourselves, as a community. Best of all, it’s free! Click here to learn more.