Claire, your essay hit me in that tender place between longing and clarity. The story of Spurs vs. Tottenham is perfect—it brilliantly distills the paralysis of choice, the weight of believing every decision is a zero-sum game. The joke your dad played wasn’t just clever; it was almost cruelly wise—a foreshadowing of how life often disguises its sameness as difference, leaving us spinning in indecision.
I’ve had moments like this too, where the fear of choosing meant carrying everything—and ultimately, nothing well. It reminds me of the lie I used to tell myself: that I could say yes to all paths, somehow evading the inevitable no each choice demands. Do you think part of the courage you describe lies in forgiving ourselves for letting go, for not being infinite in a world that demands limits?
Your seasons of life idea is profound. It’s not about shrinking ambition but recalibrating—realizing that letting go isn’t failure but strategy, a pruning for growth. You’re right: courage isn’t glamorous. It’s a quiet, deliberate shedding, the bravery to kill our darlings not for their flaws but for our freedom. Thank you for this. Your words cut like a scalpel and heal just the same.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the piece.
The courage is definitely in letting go of the unchosen – such a big leap to do but essential to move forward without overloading. Love your idea about pruning for growth – I originally had a story about trees shedding their leaves for the winter, building on the exact same point you made.
Claire, I loved your perspective on the pursuit of having it all. I've been thinking about the value of wise choice, the cost of multitasking, the necessity of letting go to make room for something important, and the true meaning of courage.
Thanks for offering a refreshing and thought-provoking lens on achieving fulfillment by bringing an intentional approach to life.
Ahh, this was great! I’m a big PL fan so I got the joke straight away and absolutely loved that I couldn’t wait to read his reaction, your reaction and your takeaways. Literally said to myself as I was reading, “oh this is fun!”
Also appreciate the questions you raised. Always good to think about the costs of our choices. None are free. Oddly, I felt a joy for (with?) your father. For him, it was truly a win-win. Many times as a parent, I’ve felt like I’m talking through choices that feel like a lose-lose to the child in the moment (you can continue being friends with the mean girl or let go of that “friendship” and find someone who respects you). For him to be able to present a choice where he won no matter what I’m guessing was worth more than a chuckle. Fun story.
Don’t worry – he’s still proud of himself for that question almost three decades later 😂 The fact that he’s watched a team consistently lose for 60 years warrants that ongoing laugh ;)
“I’ve juggled leader, friend, writer, partner, enthusiast, therapist, coach and mother. I’ve looked ok whilst doing it. But, behind the scenes is a stretched and stitched reality, a gory mess straining against the seams of carrying too much.” Oof. This hits in the feels right now, especially coming off of Write of Passage. What a sweet story to illustrate a tough truth. It can be so hard to really cut off some paths in order to pursue others. But the opportunity cost of not doing so eventually becomes too high. Thank you for sharing, this was a reminder I needed today.
Claire, your essay hit me in that tender place between longing and clarity. The story of Spurs vs. Tottenham is perfect—it brilliantly distills the paralysis of choice, the weight of believing every decision is a zero-sum game. The joke your dad played wasn’t just clever; it was almost cruelly wise—a foreshadowing of how life often disguises its sameness as difference, leaving us spinning in indecision.
I’ve had moments like this too, where the fear of choosing meant carrying everything—and ultimately, nothing well. It reminds me of the lie I used to tell myself: that I could say yes to all paths, somehow evading the inevitable no each choice demands. Do you think part of the courage you describe lies in forgiving ourselves for letting go, for not being infinite in a world that demands limits?
Your seasons of life idea is profound. It’s not about shrinking ambition but recalibrating—realizing that letting go isn’t failure but strategy, a pruning for growth. You’re right: courage isn’t glamorous. It’s a quiet, deliberate shedding, the bravery to kill our darlings not for their flaws but for our freedom. Thank you for this. Your words cut like a scalpel and heal just the same.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the piece.
The courage is definitely in letting go of the unchosen – such a big leap to do but essential to move forward without overloading. Love your idea about pruning for growth – I originally had a story about trees shedding their leaves for the winter, building on the exact same point you made.
Thanks for taking the time to share
Claire, I loved your perspective on the pursuit of having it all. I've been thinking about the value of wise choice, the cost of multitasking, the necessity of letting go to make room for something important, and the true meaning of courage.
Thanks for offering a refreshing and thought-provoking lens on achieving fulfillment by bringing an intentional approach to life.
Thanks for reading Amit, appreciate it and enjoyed listening to your thoughts!
Ahh, this was great! I’m a big PL fan so I got the joke straight away and absolutely loved that I couldn’t wait to read his reaction, your reaction and your takeaways. Literally said to myself as I was reading, “oh this is fun!”
Also appreciate the questions you raised. Always good to think about the costs of our choices. None are free. Oddly, I felt a joy for (with?) your father. For him, it was truly a win-win. Many times as a parent, I’ve felt like I’m talking through choices that feel like a lose-lose to the child in the moment (you can continue being friends with the mean girl or let go of that “friendship” and find someone who respects you). For him to be able to present a choice where he won no matter what I’m guessing was worth more than a chuckle. Fun story.
Thanks Matt, glad you enjoyed it.
Don’t worry – he’s still proud of himself for that question almost three decades later 😂 The fact that he’s watched a team consistently lose for 60 years warrants that ongoing laugh ;)
This was a refreshing new lens to help me let go. I read it a few days ago and found my mind returning to it unprompted. Thank you, Claire!
“I’ve juggled leader, friend, writer, partner, enthusiast, therapist, coach and mother. I’ve looked ok whilst doing it. But, behind the scenes is a stretched and stitched reality, a gory mess straining against the seams of carrying too much.” Oof. This hits in the feels right now, especially coming off of Write of Passage. What a sweet story to illustrate a tough truth. It can be so hard to really cut off some paths in order to pursue others. But the opportunity cost of not doing so eventually becomes too high. Thank you for sharing, this was a reminder I needed today.
You’ve put it beautifully, Rachel. I hope you’re finding it all ok on the other side! Got to pick our battles, haven’t we :)
A very well thought out piece on real life opportunity cost, Claire.
Thanks Glyn, I bet you’d have chosen Tottenham