UFC Bantamweight Champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey has been called “the world’s most dominant athlete” by Sports Illustrated and is an all-around badass. There is no better person to look to for inspiration as you prepare for the hardest task of your life to date: declining that Evite. Here are some inspirational quotes from Rousey’s excellent autobiography My Fight, Your Fight that will help you change that reply to “Cannot Attend”.
“If you can’t dream big, ridiculous dreams, what’s the point in dreaming at all?”
After winning a bronze medal in judo in the 2008 Olympics, Rousey dreamed of switching to mixed martial arts, which her mother, a former judo champion, called “the stupidest fucking idea I’ve ever heard in my entire life.” On the other hand, you dream of skipping just one of your second cousins’ bridal showers without causing your entire family to wonder “what’s going on”. Dream big, click “No,” and turn off your phone before your mom calls you! Remember: moms aren’t always right!
“There is no history of anything happening until it does. And then there is.”
Rousey specifically dreamed of being the first female UFC champion—and then she achieved it. You always RSVP “maybe” to see your college roommate’ circus-funk band on a Monday night at a bar with a two-drink minimum, and then send a half-assed apology text about how you can’t make it. This can be the day you make history by proactively admitting you’d rather be home in bed than standing during a seven-minute accordion solo.
“Acting without fear is called recklessness. Acting with fear is called courage.”
There’s plenty to fear in going head-to-head with another ruthless fighter in a cage until one submits or is knocked out—including death. There’s also plenty to fear in declining the monthly happy hour with your old coworker. It’s organized by gossip queens who will surely have plenty to say about you in your absence—borrow some of Rousey’s courage and overcome your trepidation!
“Don’t let anyone force you to take a step backward.”
When you watch Rousey fight, you’ll notice she never steps back from her opponent—she’s always in control. Once you decline Dina’s invite for her dog’s birthday party, don’t let anyone make you hit “back” on your browser and change your mind—especially Dina, who will definitely text, “U comin??” no matter what you RSVP. You’ve got this!
While you wouldn’t last two seconds in the UFC octagon, you can act with all the strength and resolve of a champion fighter when you decline that Evite. As Ronda said to opponent Bethe Correia after knocking her out in 34 seconds, “Don’t cry.” Tell that to your friend and their whole shitty party!
