Tell Me More
Kelly Corrigan
23 min
8 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore personal growth through the power of communication, as the author shares her journey learning to express the 12 most difficult phrases in life.
You'll learn
1. Why talking right matters in love2. Handling tough talks3. The magic of getting and giving feels4. The coolness of "I don't know"5. The power in saying "My bad"6. The punch of "I love you" and "Goodbye"Key points
01The Power and Liberation of Saying 'No'
Ever been in a situation where you're swamped with work, your to-do list is overflowing, and yet, when a colleague asks for help, you find yourself saying 'Yes'? You're not alone. Many of us struggle with saying 'No', often due to societal expectations or personal guilt. In Kelly Corrigan's book, "Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say", she shares personal anecdotes that highlight this struggle. For instance, she talks about a time when she agreed to host a dinner party despite being overwhelmed with work and family responsibilities. She felt obligated to say 'Yes', even though it added to her stress. This struggle often stems from societal expectations. We're conditioned to believe that saying 'No' is rude or selfish. But is it really? Let's delve deeper into this. Setting boundaries in relationships is not only healthy but necessary. It's not about being selfish; it's about self-care. Corrigan shares an instance where she had to set boundaries with a friend who constantly demanded her time and attention. Initially, she felt guilty, but eventually, she realized that setting boundaries improved their relationship. However, saying 'No' often comes with guilt. We feel bad for turning down requests or not meeting others' expectations. Corrigan shares her own experiences of dealing with this guilt. She talks about how she learned to manage it by understanding that she can't please everyone and that it's okay to prioritize her own needs. And that brings us to the next point - the importance of prioritizing one's own needs. Corrigan shares stories of how neglecting her own needs led to burnout and stress. She emphasizes that it's not selfish to take care of oneself. In fact, it's necessary for our mental and physical well-being. Now, let's talk about the liberation of saying 'No'. It's empowering to be able to set boundaries and prioritize our own needs. Corrigan shares how saying 'No' has given her more control over her time and energy. It has allowed her to focus on what truly matters to her. In conclusion, saying 'No' is not about being selfish or rude. It's about setting boundaries, prioritizing our own needs, and taking care of our mental and physical well-being. It's about liberation and empowerment. As Corrigan beautifully puts it in her book, "Saying 'No' is not a rejection, it's a necessary act of self-affirmation." So, let's start practicing saying 'No' and setting boundaries. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
02Embracing Uncertainty: The Value of Admitting Ignorance
Ever found yourself in a situation where you're expected to know something, but you don't? It's like being in a foreign country, lost, without a map or a translator. You're surrounded by signs and symbols, but they might as well be hieroglyphics. It's uncomfortable, isn't it? That's the discomfort of admitting ignorance. It's a feeling we've all experienced, but one that society often discourages us from expressing. We live in a world that values knowledge and expertise. From a young age, we're taught that having the answers is a sign of intelligence and competence. This societal pressure to always have answers can lead to stress and anxiety. It's like being on a never-ending quiz show, where every question missed is a mark against your worth. But this pressure is counterproductive. It discourages us from asking questions, from seeking help, and from admitting when we don't know something. But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of seeing uncertainty as a negative state, we saw it as an opportunity? Embracing uncertainty allows us to explore and discover. It opens up new possibilities and challenges us to think in different ways. It's like stepping off the well-trodden path and venturing into the unknown. It's scary, yes, but it's also exciting and liberating. Admitting ignorance requires humility. It's acknowledging that we don't have all the answers, that we're not infallible. But this humility is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it's a sign of strength and self-awareness. It's recognizing our own limitations and being willing to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. Moreover, admitting ignorance creates space for learning and growth. It's like clearing out a cluttered room to make space for new furniture. By admitting what we don't know, we open ourselves up to new information and experiences. We give ourselves the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you don't have the answers, don't be afraid to admit it. Challenge the societal expectation to always know. Embrace your ignorance. Embrace the uncertainty. Because in that uncertainty, there is opportunity. There is potential. There is growth. And that's something worth embracing.
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03The Strength in Admitting Mistakes: A Personal Journey
04The Power of 'Tell Me More': A Guide to Empathy and Understanding
05Why expressing love is important?
06The Power of Apology: A Guide to Reconciliation
07The Difficulty of Saying Goodbye: Navigating Loss and Grief
08Conclusion
About Kelly Corrigan
Kelly Corrigan is an American author, best known for her memoirs. She has written four New York Times bestsellers, including "The Middle Place" and "Glitter and Glue". Corrigan is also a host of the PBS series "Tell Me More". She is recognized for her candid exploration of family life.