07/28/2021
I’ve worked with so many women who struggle with honoring their NO. I’ve struggled my whole life with honoring my NO. It’s a life lesson for me, one I don’t think I’ll ever “arrive” at, rather, a lesson I’ll spend my lifetime practicing.
It seems simple- saying yes to the things that light us up and saying no to the things that don’t. But how many of you have struggled with this skill?
Today, I am honoring for honoring her NO, for honoring her whole Self. For putting her Self first. She said no on the biggest stage… there is so much more strength in honoring your no than in pushing through because other people expect you to say yes. We can learn so, so much from her example 💜.
Simone Biles was already an Olympic champion—the GOAT of women’s gymnastics.
Now she’s accomplished a bigger victory—championing mental illness. Today, Simone withdrew from competition, citing mental health struggles.
Do you see what she just modeled? For all of us?
She honored her whole, entire self.
She reminded the world that we are not just physical bodies that should be pushed beyond the brink. We are emotional, mental, and spiritual human beings—and wellness extends to all parts.
Simone just gave every one of us permission to make choices that honor our mental health. Because even the champions among us need to step back now and again.
I have never cheered harder for an Olympic moment. Extraordinary courage.
Thank you, Simone. 🤍
————————————————————
follow Mary Katherine Backstrom for more inspiration