It’s true.

But before I get to the good stuff, let me ask you a question: How have you been defined?

For instance, most of my life I was the “good girl.” I did my homework and showed up to school on time. I spent more of my teenage years in tree-forts than at house parties. I said “no” to all I was told to say “no” to and never stayed out past curfew. I was cautious and responsible and smiled a lot.

And it worked for me. It worked for my GPA. It worked for job interviews and meeting parents. It worked… well, until it didn’t.
In 2008 I left my job to do a nine-week yoga teacher training in Mexico. Twice a day, six days a week, 350 of us, strangers from all over the world, struggled together in the hot yoga room, then listened to lectures on biology and yoga philosophy, then fought to stay awake for repeated showings of the “Bhagavad Gita”.

Sundays were beach day. That’s where I met Roberto. At Bonfil Beach. I quickly fell for his golden hair and his surfer bod. Soon enough I won him over and he was calling me his “sirenita,” his “little mermaid”. We’d lie in the grass together listening to music and starring at the clouds. He’d bring me beaded bracelets and paper roses. He knew the way to a good girl’s heart.

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On the night of graduation, nearly all 350 of us went clubbing in Acapulco. I was twenty-two and it was my first time at a club. We were having a blast: dancing, reminiscing, celebrating.
Of course, 2 am rolled around, and as any good Boston girl would do, I turned to Roberto and said, “Ok, let’s go home.” I was looking forward to a nice, long sleep and a healthy breakfast to follow.
“Jody,” he said, “are you having fun?”
 “Well, yea, of course,” I replied.
 “Then…” he hesitated a moment and asked, “why would you leave?”
Damn. Good question.

In that moment I had to make a critical decision. I could either do what I’d always done, walk away, and stay comfortable being “good” {because if I wasn’t “good” then who would I be?!} OR I could take the opportunity Roberto was giving me. I could use that moment to loosen my grip on who I was, who I had defined myself to be. I could use that moment to explore my potential, to expand in ways I’d previously shied away from. I could use that moment to have a little more fun.

Now back to my original question. How have you always been defined? Actually, the more accurate question would be: how have YOU always defined yourself? “Good”? “Healthy”? “Funny?” “Shy?” AND how might these labels be holding you back from more fully embracing your life?
Being a good girl worked, but in the end being “good” no matter what kept me from being the most authentic me. Of course, if you were wondering, I stayed until 7 am at that club in Acapulco, one of the most memorable nights of my life. And surprise, surprise, the next day I was still good, I was still me, with just a little hint of wild and crazy.

In honor or redefining yourself, I invite you this coming week to be BAD.  Every day, do something you feel you “shouldn’t do.” Break your own rules. 

Now, I’m not suggesting you drive on the wrong side of the road or skip out on paying your tab at the bar.Try something like:

  • Don’t respond to emails for a day
  • Go out dancing instead of spending your night reading
  • Sleep in
  • Ignore phone calls
  • Skip the gym
  • Eat more chocolate
  • Scream
Take this opportunity to rediscover what it means to be YOU. And don’t forget to let us know what you decide on Facebook!