The You, You Were Meant To Be

What energizes you?

What inspires you to be a better person?

What moments in your life, bring a smile to your face, and warmth that radiates in your heart and soul?

Who in your life, make you feel better about yourself?

What kind of weather, puts a ‘skip in your step?’

What passions, make you feel like you have something to contribute to this world?

What hobbies, help you relax?

Do more of THAT.

Let more of THOSE people in your life. 

Recall THOSE precious moments and memories.

Move to THAT kind of place.

Yes. Do more of THAT. Be more of THAT. Love more of THAT.

Often the very things that make us feel more alive, get shoved out of the way in the name of “duty,” and “obligation.”

Often, those who we love the most, pull and tug on us into THEIR “that.” But it’s not ours. 

It was never meant to be.

A people pleaser, is not a God pleaser. I’m learning that. And God gifted us in certain ways for certain reasons.  

Use those gifts. Enjoy those passions. Partake in those moments.

They are for you. And in them, you will truly be the you, you were meant to be.

Why I Don't Often Write Holiday Articles

So many writers are good at focusing on holiday-themed articles around each upcoming holiday. 

I enjoy reading them. I often share them on my facebook or twitter feed. But write them? I haven’t dipped my toes into that water too many times. 

Don’t get me wrong. I HAVE written articles focused on Christmas traditions, Valentines ideas, etc.  But they have been few and far between.

At this time of year, I normally, still write and publish articles focused on insecurities, loneliness, healing over past hurts, and encouragement.

Why?

Because those issues don’t go away just because it’s Christmas time. You don’t start feeling confident just because it’s Thanksgiving. You aren’t suddenly free from old bondage just because Christmas is here. You don’t feel more loved automatically, because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

Actually, it’s often times the opposite.

Loneliness can rear its ugly head even MORE around the holidays. Insecurities that you thought you’d dealt with, can remind you they are still alive and well in your heart MORE around the holidays. We can need encouragement MORE, when people are having parties, get togethers and celebrations.

Those issues exist. Every. Day. Of. The. Year.

So, although I enjoy reading holiday articles and may even feel led to write one here and there over the years - I will most likely still write and publish regular, ordinary, everyday-type articles. Even at Christmas. Especially over Valentine’s Day. Through Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, and other events that come up throughout the year.

A hurting heart needs encouragement all throughout the year.  A breaking spirit needs support and reminders every day.

I know. I remember. I have felt it too. Those low moments when everyone else around you is celebratory.

And I am here. FOR YOU.

All year long.

Don't Work For Someone Who Doesn't Appreciate You

Don’t work for someone who doesn’t appreciate you.

I know this sounds possibly… impossible.  You may think you have no choice. But life is so short. And you are so precious and valuable.  Some jobs just suck the life right out of you. 

You need to be somewhere you can flourish.

I am so blessed. I work for someone who constantly affirms me.  He actually writes, “You are so appreciated,” on my paychecks. And it makes me work harder. It causes me to want to go the extra mile and to do my best.

On the other hand, I know someone who has a manager who can be very “hot” and “cold.” Sometimes she can be rude.  This “someone” doesn’t ever know when to approach, or not to approach the manager. They always feel a little tentative around them.

Listen. I know jobs aren’t a dime a dozen. 

I don’t know what your gifts are, or what field you are in. But if you are not in an environment where you are encouraged for what you do, or are given the motivation to WANT to do “extra” for the people you work with… you need to move on.

I’m not saying quit. I’m saying, “Look around.” Stay where you are, but keep your eyes open and roving. Actively pursue another position on your own free time. 

Even if it means a small pay cut.

Encouragement, kindness, support in what you do, affirming help to be better - those are all more valuable than a few extra dollars.

You need to be where you can be the best you.

No customer wants a grumpy sales clerk to help them. No patron wants a hostess who doesn’t enjoy their job. If you are working somewhere you enjoy, the people you work for and with, will enjoy YOU more!!

It doesn’t matter if we are 25, or 55, we all still have growing to do. We all still have untapped potential and gifts. We can all discover that we can do more than we thought we were capable of doing - and enjoy it!

Find an environment that encourages you to be the best you.  

Work for someone who appreciates you.

Of course, you need to appreciate them, too. But if you do find this place, hold on. For it’s a gift. One so many other people envy to have.

Be someone who is willing to flourish. Be SOMEWHERE where you can flourish.

Life is too short to be somewhere otherwise.