Have you ever wanted to speak up, reach out, or connect with someone you admired—but held back? Maybe it felt too risky, too personal, or like you'd be bothering them. I get it. I’ve done that more than once.
This isn’t about regret. It’s about understanding the patterns, the fears, and the quiet truths underneath.
A Moment with Harry Belafonte
It was 1955. Two friends and I had taken the train to Manhattan. We were walking when I saw this beautiful, tall couple just ahead. I thought, That has to be Harry Belafonte. As we got closer, my friends rushed forward trying to catch his attention.
I told them, “They’re out shopping. You see the bags? Leave them alone—they deserve their privacy.”
Belafonte turned and looked at me. He thanked me.
I think that moment set a tone for how I approached a lot of things after that—respecting space. Sometimes that meant not saying anything at all.
Danny Glover and the Words I Never Said
In the early ’90s, my friend Judith Hancox and I were invited to give a self-esteem workshop at the NJEA convention. Danny Glover had just come back from Africa and was the keynote speaker. He spoke openly about his dyslexia and his work in South Africa.
After dinner, everyone lined up to meet him. I didn’t. I sat there, uncomfortable, not knowing what to say. He was probably tired. I didn’t want to add to that.
But I never thanked him. Never spoke with him. That still sits with me.
A Mentor I Never Asked
D. Gary Young—founder of Young Living—was a mentor. He had time for me, asked me thoughtful questions, even brought me into his private office with his wife for real conversations. He invited me to serve on a board.
And still, I never asked him a single thing. I didn’t want to be a bother.
No selfies. No questions. Nothing but quiet presence.
It’s taken years—and my husband pointing it out—for me to realize that I wasn't just being respectful. I was afraid. Afraid of being too much, or not enough.
When It Was Easy
Then there was Gary Zukav. After a talk, he came straight over to me and started a conversation. That was easy. Why? Because he made the first move.
That’s when I realized: I often waited for people I wanted to talk to… to want to talk to me. It felt safer that way.
Why This Might Matter to You
Maybe you’ve done the same. Maybe you’ve held back out of politeness, or fear, or just not knowing what to say.
It’s not just about celebrities. It’s about moments—missed or taken—in everyday life.
A Few Questions for You
- Where in your life are you still waiting to be invited in?
- What part of you are you trying to protect?
- Can you think of a time you stayed silent—and wish you hadn’t?
This Is Your Unfolding
I’m learning to show up a little differently now. Not louder, just more present. I still believe in giving people space. But I also believe it’s okay to take up a little of it too.
This unfolding we’re all doing? It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be true.
Your Turn
Ever held back from reaching out—and wondered what might’ve happened if you hadn’t?
Hit reply and tell me. I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated those moments. You never know who your story might touch.
In the infinite light of love,
Nancy