I’m surrounded by people much smarter than me...

I used to feel so stupid, like if I shared my thoughts I would only make things worse. I grew up with family members who could swing a shameful comment like a samurai drawing a sword.

They were eager to point out anything I could not do or did not know. My mistakes were entertainment. Not knowing, or not knowing how, felt like grounds for losing my right to feel worthy. With consequences like that, why would I keep trying?

After years of internal work and the occasional round of therapy, the pain from all that is mostly in the rearview mirror. These days I am surrounded by people who are smarter than I am. I talked to a buddy this morning and, as always, he shared enough droplets of wisdom to fill a rain barrel.

Surrounding yourself with people smarter than you is not about making you feel stupid. They spark a healthy curiosity that keeps you asking questions instead of pretending you have all the answers.

I am plenty aware I have a whole garden of blind spots. Being human plants enough on its own, and the AuDHD plus other neurodivergence can show up as both wild blossoms and stubborn weeds.

They remind me what is possible and show me where I am constipating my progress with overthinking. They help keep my ego in check and remind me I am a work in progress, not a failed finished product.

Humility used to feel like punishment. Now it feels like permission.
Permission to learn out loud.
Permission to ask for help.
Permission to be the least “impressive” person in the room and still deserve my seat at the table.

Thanks for being you,
Brian