The Path Towards Thriving | On Choosing The Front Row

ME too! Totally okay to be a mix of both rows. Knowing when to say when & when to cut loose is a good thing. Great Post! Thank you!

Great post. It is totally OK to choose the front row sometimes and pull back at other times. So often I think the trick is in discerning which is which. Thanks, Ali.

I have to admit, my heart started racing just READING that you MIGHT get on a really scary roller coaster! I remember a few years ago,we were at Silverwood. There was a roller coaster that I was really tempted to ride (I am terrified every time I ride Space Mountain at Disneyland). I watched it several times and realized it couldn't be that bad, the ride only lasted a couple of minutes for crying out loud! But, I just couldn't summon up the courage to ride it. I don't know if I will ever be able to...I hope so.

I'm glad I read your post because I laughed when I saw the ladies and their skirts flying. and I thought I love the smile and excitement,enjoyment as an adult. I thought you were going to saying sometimes you have to let go and have fun even tho you may be older (obviously what I am working on). I'm finding I'm having trouble aging….so that's what I took from the picture.

But your point of view is always interesting and thoughtful and for that I am grateful that I read it today.

Julie

so thankful to read this. thank you.
P.S. go Ali go
xo

Sometimes the brave thing is to step off the ride or get out of the line. Sometimes it is to do what you fear. As you go, I think you will learn what is right for you in order for you to thrive. I am learning much from your journey and am so appreciative that you share the real you so vulnerably. Please keep on showing us how to thrive... and that everyone's journey is unique. For me, I used to love roller coasters... after a major head injury... years later I found out they do not make me "thrive". I went on the Enterprise at Great Adventure in NJ and they had to carry me off because I blacked out and could not walk. The doctors said it is because of my head injury and the area of my brain that was affected. This is not meant to discourage you or anyone else not to be brave and get on the first row of anything. Just to learn your own true limits... not fears or anything negative... just the fact that I stated at the beginning. Thriving as I am beginning to stumble onto what it is... is just being you... with your limits and your loves and without fears... the kind that keep you down. Finding the things that make you happy ... that may you thrive and grow and fully live. And I love how you fully live before us all. Thank you so much for your honesty.

love reading these thoughts ali!! thank you!

Ali, this is an absolutely awesome post. It says so very much and REALLY touched me! It is important for us to remember that we do not always have to push ourselves to s t r e t c h sometimes it is ok and actually healthier to play it safe +/or go against the current. You have accomplished so very much it really helps to hear it from you.
And yes, I too choose the front row..but not necessarily every single day.
thank you for sharing this.

I am THAT person too! Love your words on this!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Awesome post!

I love that picture and I love this post! I completely identify with the ladies in the third row and I'm currently working to let myself be comfortable with that. I'm an introvert. I love spending time alone, and that's ok. Society can sometimes make you feel like you need to live life in the front row, and that's ok sometimes, but the real me is in the third row and that's ok too. Thanks Ali - great post.

We should never have to feel bad if we are different from everyone else, if we are being our real selves. I hate heights and I will not let anyone belittle me when I do not choose to do things involving heights!

I have a daughter that is 15 a pretty daring and outgoing girl despite the fact that I am not. We were just at Disney and she wanted to go on Tower of Terror...I did not! She said Mom we wont go if you don't want to, in that moment I had to decide if I was going to hold her back. I never want to be that Mom that is so scared that I stop my daughter from doing anything, needless to say we went YUK but then we went again! Am trying to be in the front row :)

Thanks, Ali!! I'm going through a very long term relationship break up AND I'm ending my job of 3 years. Sucks. Hurts. There's no way around that. But, I'm trying to be (more) brave and realize that I am okay to be myself. It's okay to say, "no. I don't want to do that" just because everybody else is doing something. I grew up being brave and a leader but when I'm going through an emotionally challenging stint, I become weak and want to just hibernate.

you're blessed to have a good friend like Katie. I too need to remember that i can reach out and be vulnerable with a few of my good friends. They know me and will encourage me when I'm feeling my least brave.

Your words really touched me today...

This is really lovely. What a great reminder that we don't always have to be uncomfortable in order to thrive. But a little bit of uncomfortableness isn't always a bad thing!

On getting out of line: I've been there! I love a good thrill ride, but have a healthy fear of heights. When we were kids, my cousin dragged me into the line for a really steep, tall water slide at the local theme park (no spirals or twists - just goes straight down). We grabbed our boards and spent an hour creeping up the staircase. When we finally reached the top of the slide nearly an hour later, I took one look down and told my cousin I'd meet her at the bottom - and nearly galloped back down the stairs. Since then, I've overcome a few bigger challenges. ; )

Inspiring as always!!! Awesome insight

Thanks Ali - I have been a third row kinda person this week, not necessarily by choice, but it is not sitting well with me. I know I want that front row. Just need to get there.

Thanks for this.