midweek snack 005
don’t poke the bear (but also maybe do)
I’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase “don’t poke the bear.” In other words, don’t provoke something powerful or it might come back twice as hard.
I was raised by parents who taught me to stand up and speak up, not to be afraid of poking the bear. Last week, something at my kids’ school felt off. Not small-off. Not ignore-it-off. BIG OFF! So I did what I tend to do best: I made the call, dropped some facts, stayed calm, and poked the bear with a smile.
It worked. The situation was addressed for my kiddos and all the others in the same boat. It felt incredible. That being said, not every outcome is like that. And I’m not suggesting we go out on the prowl looking for daily fights. But I do think we default too often to “it is what it is” when something needs to be questioned, myself included. Complacency can be comfortable (and remarkably stress-free), but sometimes it becomes complicity.
To be fair, this “poke the bear” energy has definitely gotten me into sticky situations before. My Four-Shirted-Husband™ would agree I have two toxic traits:
I believe I can befriend or domesticate every wild animal in existence. The bear will not maul me because it will sense my EXCELLENT VIBES. Duh.
I believe, to my core, I can fist fight grown men double my size.
I’ve learned I can’t (and shouldn’t) poke every single bear. I also do not, in fact, have superhuman strength—I have herniated discs and a sour tummy. TBH, it’s kind of shocking I haven’t been punched in the face yet.
But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t poke some bears.
I hope this encourages you to speak up about something you care about this week, even if the bear is a little scary.
A hard pivot into something completely different. One of my favorite closet acquisitions of 2026 has been my western boots. Here’s four ways I’m wearing them this spring.
Affiliate links included below.
I decided after 38 years it’s probably time I create a work pouch of eMeRgEnCy things. I’ve finally had enough of showing up to work realizing I put on lash primer (which goes on white) and forgetting to put on my actual mascara. So help me god, if one more person tells me I look “different,” I’m giving myself permission to go home for the day.
Literally counting down the minutes/seconds until Kacey Musgraves’ new album drops tomorrow!
I was today years old when I realized it’s perceived as “strange” that I don’t use to-go cups when I travel through life. My preferred method of transport is to bring the mug into the car sans lid, take a quick sip, and hope for the best. I feel like my college experience dancing & balancing bevvys at T’s Pub in Boston (IYKYK, RIP!) prepared me for this moment.
I got the mini version of the body stone lotion bar for Mother’s day gifts. And I thought to myself, ya know who else would like this? ME. Plus it’s a Derm Views rec!
I think I need this for my pool this summer. Some people count calories, I want to count how many pool naps I can take without drowning.
I am eyeing these CZ drop-earrings - I feel like they’re a great less expensive version of the popular Dorsey pair.
I am obsessed with this scarf bag and am staying patient and vigilant on the secondhand market.
Last Week on Rambling In Style
Now go forth and poke responsibly—see ya soon!
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When you say poke the bear, what kind of bear are we talking about? I need specifics? One that could become a pet? A polar bear? (could also be a pet in our farm of dreams). x
I was just talking about this with a friend. You don't realize how much you care about being liked, when what you really need to do is SPEAK UP. A good reminder!!