Most of us aspire to do our best, be the best we can, and try to do right. Humor me and agree. Striving to be good people and make a positive difference in the lives of others is admirable. We might not always make it there – but efforts are meaningful.
This little note speaks to me. So does that one about history not remembering well-behaved women.
Shake a leg ladies. Kick up a heel or two. Boot booty when necessary. Make the devil sit up and take notice.
Strut.
Interpret that any way you’d like. The door’s open, the intercoms on, share your insight.
What kind of message rings your bell? What kind of woman do you strive to be? If there are any gentlemen in the audience…step right up and share, you’ve got insight too, and I’d like to hear it.
Tags: kick some ass, make the devil cringe, be inspired, get inspired, dance naked under the moon
Lesann Berry 
#1 by Naomi Bulger on November 14, 2011 - 10:01 pm
I like the joyous abandon of this post. Sometimes I approach life with too much caution. I am afraid to take risks, and I almost always do as I'm told. I need to be reminded that sometimes it's ok to just go for it. To celebrate. To shake it up a little. Take a risk. Thank you!
#2 by Jennifer Tanner on November 14, 2011 - 11:22 pm
I grew up asking why, silently questioning things. There was a guy I knew in high school who didn't hang out with any particular group. I had a few classes with him, and I remembered his comments would generate a lot of debate. Given the lemming mentality of most teens, I admired his confident and outspoken manner, how he stuck to his beliefs even if it didn't win him any friends. So, I'd like to think that I'm an independent thinker that doesn't adhere to the status quo.
#3 by Marion Spicher on November 15, 2011 - 12:33 am
"What kind of woman do you strive to be?" you ask? How much time do you have? Grin.I absolutely love the black box message. Lesann, your writing is so delightful, unique, full of special wit, and attitude all yours … and brings me joy.
#4 by elenaaitken.com on November 15, 2011 - 6:18 pm
Love this! I absolutely strive to be the type of woman who has no regrets. I wasn't to live my life and not feel like I have to apologize for anything I did or did NOT do. It's been a hard lesson, and it's hard. But I'm learning every day that I don't have to apologize for who I am.
#5 by MISH on November 15, 2011 - 8:01 pm
What a great 'message-in-the-box'.A upbeat and funky post. Thanks for the empowering words!
#6 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 1:10 am
Thanks Naomi! I once had a stranger ask me why I kept waiting till my vacation time to let loose and really live life…and that was a really good question, for which I had no adequate answer. I started embracing new things and it really changed the direction of my life in a positive way. Incidentally, he's become a long-term trusted friend.
#7 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 1:22 am
Hey Jennifer – I know exactly what you mean. I knew a guy like that in high school too and I can still remember how brave I thought he was to admit he swam against the current. I really admired that it wasn't just to be contrary either.I exhibited more lemming instinct by comparison but constant arguing with myself has reduced that.
#8 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 1:23 am
Thanks so much Marion!I stumbled across this particular black box (wish I could take credit for the original idea), and it continues to make me smile.
#9 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 1:26 am
I'm glad it spoke to you too, Elena! Living without regret is such a wonderful idea. I can't remember where I first read/heard the idea of reaching the end of your life and looking back with regret for the things you didn't get around to trying AND bragging rights for all the things you DID do. It's never too late to start being naughty.
#10 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 1:27 am
Hi MISH! Empowerment is grand and found in the most unusual of packages. Glad I could offer up some zap.
#11 by Natalie Hartford on November 16, 2011 - 1:42 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE that poster!!!Seriously, printing it off for my wall….it ROCKS!!!
#12 by Tameri Etherton on November 16, 2011 - 3:08 am
Ah, I love that note. Yeah, I strive to be the kind of woman who doesn't have to apologize for swearing or drinking beer and who knows when to do both and when not to.As I age, I'm finding that I can be my authentic self and people don't like it or don't 'get it' then they aren't my people and I don't have to please them. I spent WAY too many years trying to please everyone else.A few weeks ago you had a post about not commenting on blogs just to comment. That really resonated with me and now every time I comment I think about what it is I'm saying and if it adds anything. Sometimes it is just a fluff reply, but that's what I was thinking and my true feeling and so I give a fluff comment. And i don't apologize for it. ; )Empowerment is an amazing thing.
#13 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 3:43 pm
@Natalie -No matter how many times I see this, it still makes me smirk. I'm glad it tickles you too!
#14 by Lesann Berry on November 16, 2011 - 3:47 pm
@Tameri -I think we become more confident as we get older – red hats and purple dresses, right? There's a certain "uh, whatever" release when you get comfortable in your own skin. I've known people who are like that from the beginning but I think most of us grow in ourselves.I love reading comment everybody's comments – you all have such interesting things to say!