Daring Greatly: 6 Inspirations to Uplift Yourself from a “Bad Hair Day” or Unpleasant Encounters

Today, I had a metaphorical “bad hair day”: an unpleasant encounter with a disrespectful person who tried to rip me off. While dealing with anger and disbelief, and trying to restore my peace of mind, powerful words by Theodore Roosevelt came to my mind.

They lifted me up, put things back into perspective and, most importantly, brought my humor back. So, in case you had a (metaphorical or literal) “bad hair day” – or want to be prepared for one to come – here are Theodore’ssix cheering up inspirations, including some fabulous music that goes with them.

1. It Is Not the Critic Who Counts

“It is not the critic who counts: not the (wo)man who points out how the strong woman stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.”

Who is the worst of critics? It is the voice inside of me. This little bastard, my inner critic, tells me that I should have approached a situation differently, that I should have known better, that I should have been more careful. Now, psychology tells me that my inner critic (mostly shaped by my environment during my formative years) is trying to protect me from harm. I only partially buy into this “excuse”.

Today, I have decided that my life is too precious for having a critic living inside of me. Because firstly, he is unpleasant. And secondly, he doesn’t pay rent. Once I manage to quiet my own inner critic, no outer critic can bother me anymore.

So, here I sing: “Hit the road, Jack” by Margie Hendrix & Ray Charles

2. The Credit Is Yours: The Woman in the Arena

“The credit belongs to the woman who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, …”

Stuff happens. Only I decide how to deal with it. So, I tell myself: I have built a life. I did it on my own terms. I am a strong woman. I have been through the dark night of the soul, and I have stepped out into the light. I dare to love and hope and dream. I dare to trust that others are as reliable and trustworthy as I am. I am not to blame if they aren’t. It is their choice.

I don’t let anyone but myself define the quality of my day. I have survived situations in which others would pass out. Throughout my life, I have made millions of decisions. Good decisions, and not so good decisions. But I HAVE MADE decisions, and not avoided them. I have stepped out into the arena, and I intend to stay in it, no matter what.

My soundtrack? “Gonna Fly Now” the Rocky Balboa theme song (by Bill Conti)

3. The Triumph of Effort

“…because there is no effort without error or shortcoming…”

What do people on their death bed regret the most? It is not the things they have done. It is the things they haven’t done. I have accomplished so much. I have experimented and learned from mistakes. I have succeeded, I have failed. I have lost my faith, and I have regained it. I have travelled my country and the world, and I have built a home.

I have decluttered, and I have been on diets. I have overcome disease; I have mourned betrayal and the passing of loved ones. I have cried, and I have laughed (a lot!). I have nurtured all kinds of relationships. I have helped others, and I have asked for (and received) help. I have pushed my boundaries, I have dared and done so much, and I will continue to do so. I am singing my own song, and I am getting better in it every day.

So, here I sing with my good old friend Frank Sinatra: “The Best Is Yet To Come” (from the album „Nothing But The Best“)

4. Enthusiasm and Devotion Are My Fuel

“…but (the woman) who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends herself in a worthy cause…”

Enthusiasm is much better skincare than Botox, and being dedicated to a worthy cause is way more satisfying than shopping therapy. It fills me with joy and strength and meaning. I have my set of values, and I know that acting according to my own values – not to those of others – makes me feel whole and alive.

I feed on beauty and music. I thrive when I am contributing to a better world – on whatever small or big scale possible. I lead my life in such manner that it (hopefully) touches the lives of others in a positive, uplifting way.

So, I sing “Live Is Life” by the Austrian band Opus.

5. Life Is an Ongoing Project

“… (the woman) who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, …”

Only we, women out here in the arena, know what being “in the arena” feels like. There is no rehearsal, no Fast-Forward, no Replay. It is what it is. I know that failing is the little sister of learning. I have lived a decent, long life so far. Whenever I needed a hero, I became one. I feel the powerful young woman inside of me – more than ever. I honor the wise woman that I am turning into while staying young at heart. I keep moving, inside and out.

And just like you, I love to sing and dance to ABBAs “Dancing Queen.”

6. I Have Arrived, and I Keep Moving

„… so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

I have taken risks, I have chosen (and switched) destinations and routes. I have been on detours and found my way back. I have left places and situations, and I have arrived at them. I have won and I have lost. I have found love, and love has found me. I have been burnt, and I have been rewarded. I am alive.

Despite the long period of life already lived, life will still offer me plenty of detours that I am happy to take – so that I will explore and enjoy unknown territory. I will continue to do so for as long as my breath and legs will carry me.

And so I sing “These Boots Are Made For Walking” by the One-And-Only Nancy Sinatra.

Credits: “Daring Greatly” by Theodore Roosevelt in a speech at the Sorbonne University, Paris, delivered in April 1910.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced a challenging situation lately? What helps you to deal with external triggers? Share your “recipe” or coping skills with our community. Let´s talk about what supports our growth, our self-confidence and peace of mind.