Brooke

This year, I’m challenging myself—and you—to relax into the discomfort. Let’s trust that the best stories are the ones we couldn't have written for ourselves. — Brooke

As Brooke Petermann writes on her blog , "open" is the very opposite of a rigid plan. It’s wide, it’s undefined, and it’s deeply uncomfortable for anyone who loves to be in control. brooke

We spend so much of our lives curating. We curate our Instagram feeds, our career paths, our "five-year plans." We look for words that feel safe, structured, and manageable. "Explore," "Achieve," "Grow"—these are good, actionable words. " "Grow"—these are good

(e.g., A creative/artist, a professional navigating career change, a personal lifestyle blog, or a faith-based reflection?) actionable words. (e.g.

Brooke Fitzgerald reminds us that saying "no" to the good is often necessary to say "yes" to the great. It’s about being authentic, not busy. Reflective Prompts for Your Own "Open" Season: What plan am I clinging to that no longer brings me joy?

Reevaluating old dreams and giving them new life, rather than clinging to a 2019 version of myself. 3. The Power of "No"

Being open means protecting your energy. It’s hard to be open to new possibilities if your schedule is packed with commitments that don't serve your true purpose.