by AnnSheybani | May 4, 2015 | Life, Reading, Writing
I was 26 the first time I realized that what people thought about me had more to do with them, then with who I was/am as a person. Such an epiphany should have freed me up; unfortunately it didn’t. When I’d first moved to Iran, I wanted two things more than... by AnnSheybani | Apr 27, 2015 | adventure, Alcoholic rules, climbing lessons, coaching, Confidence, connection, Courage, criticism, Cultural Issues, dealing with criticism, Iran, mountain climbing, risk, Self love, Self-acceptance, Self-Esteem, Writing
When I was young, I had no idea what I thought, felt, or wanted. Pressed for my opinion, I’d make an evasive or sarcastic comment instead of deciding what it was that I thought. I didn’t want to say anything that could be construed the wrong way, or held against me... by AnnSheybani | Mar 24, 2015 | Confidence, identity, Monica Lewinsky, shame, Ted Talk, Writing
I’m a big proponent of turning your mess into your message. And I think Monica Lewinsky’s recent Ted Talk is a wonderful example of turning one’s most shameful moment into a powerful call to action. Think about it. What are you hiding? What story... by AnnSheybani | Mar 16, 2015 | books, How to Eat The Elephant, Reading, voice, Writing
The thing about being a writer is that I tend to associate with a lot of other writers. Writers who publish books as often as they change their underwear. Besides my writing buddies, and my students, and my coaching clients, people who talk about books and writing and... by AnnSheybani | Jan 26, 2015 | Beth Janery, change, Finding Grace Again, God, grace, gratitude, guest post, Life, trust, vulnerability, Work Less, Writing
This is a guest post by the author Beth Jannery, a woman I’m grateful to call my friend. I’ve posted it today because, being an accomplishment whore who wants nothing more than to control ALL of the chess pieces, I needed these reminders. Life is not to be... by AnnSheybani | Jan 25, 2015 | identity, Life, voice, Writing
This is my reminder that I have a voice. That sounds silly, huh? Considering I am a poet and I have a daily habit of peeling back layers of skin, exposing the rawest parts of myself on the internet. A place notorious for how it responds to vulnerability and honesty,...
