Hi there, beautiful!
Do you know who you are? I mean really, REALLY know?
You are special and God created you for a very specific purpose. NO situation has the power to defeat you. You are destined for greatness in EVERY area of your life and have the ability to access the tools you need to live joyfully and receive the goodness that is rightfully yours.
At times, I'm sure you wonder if you're going to sink or swim and believe those to be your only two options. There is a third option that speaks to God's will for you and the possibilities that await you on the other side of your faith. That third option is to WALK ON THE WATER - Yep! In the natural, walking on water seems far-fetched, but since there is no physical water to speak of, the same can be said of "sinking" and "swimming" when referring to a personal situation, performance on the job or some type of struggle. It all starts with your beliefs.
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The difference you see, has a great deal to do with the positive messages you feed to your inner being (self-esteem) and the positive attitude you project towards others. When combined with your faith that God is able, He can and He will...you gain a new and life-changing perspective. What do you tell yourself…about yourself? In what ways do your friends represent your values and support your goals? It's important that you surround yourself with people who will encourage you and are supportive of the wonderful person you already are!
A long time ago, I made a decision that I was not going to allow anyone to define my worth. My parents didn't have a lot of money and I didn't wear the latest fashions, but what I did have was a very strong sense of who I was (thanks mom and dad!) and "who" I wanted to become. I'm not referring to occupation or social status, but rather the 'type' of person I desired to be (kind, compassionate, giving, empathetic to the needs of others, etc...) Even as a teenager, I understood the importance of being and feeling valued. My parents made me feel that way so it was natural for me to want to provide the same to those around me.
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When I laughed; I laughed hard. When I cheered; I cheered hard and made no apologies for it. I still don't. Some things are fine in moderation, but sometimes you just have to overdose on the things that feed your joy and give your life its wings of purpose and happiness. I love my family too much, I kiss and hug my children too hard, I am too loyal to the friends who genuinely seek my good and I sing the praises of a life in God too loud!
My friends, the key to happiness isn't necessarily about being 'happy'. I have dark days and expect to continue to have them in the future. My happiness isn't dependent upon temporary situations. I believe the key to happiness is mastering the art of perspective and realizing you can always pull from your source of your joy! I squeeze everything I can out of the time I'm given on this earth. Only I can walk the path that has been established for me. The same is true for you. When you're living this thing called life, who has time to pause just to see who's watching and criticizing? Life is far too amazing to leave crumbs of potential, joy, enthusiasm, hope or expectancy on the table, in your car, at work and in your life. Claim and hold fast to them! They belong to you - THEY ARE YOURS!!!
When something is valuable to you, no one should be able to take it from you easily or without you putting up a fight. I know you value your car, clothes, job, etc., but how much do you value you? Valuing you is a must! Value the gifts you possess! Value the struggles that have made (or are making) you stronger, wiser, more resilient, more kind/loving and better. Value the right you were given at birth to just be happy. Do you hear me? You weren't created to feel constant sorrow, to be the object of constant ridicule or to be surrounded by darkness. You weren't born to have a life of sadness and depression. When things happen to you or you experience a setback, it's okay. It may be the end of a relationship or an employment contract, but it's not the end of YOU! You WILL make it through.....there is STILL joy to be found.....you WILL smile again. I have come to the realization that I am special, I am unique and I have a gift to share with others. No one can do 'me' as well as I can! You are NO different....YOU are special, YOU are unique and YOU have many gifts and talents! No one can do 'you' as well as you can. Be you!
LISTEN VERY CLOSELY...
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You must never be intimidated by another woman's success or be falsely strengthened by her weaknesses or failures.
Someone else's success and/or good fortune do not take away from you! Turn your eyes and focus away from "what other people have, what they're driving, where they live, how they look, etc." and take a moment to give thanks for the wonderful gifts you have of your own! Don't let your own life pass you by because of your obsession to live or upstage someone else's....that path will leave you frustrated and my friend you are too precious, insightful, valuable, gifted, confident, motivated, poised, talented, unique and blessed for that!
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I have no idea how many women will get this message but I hope, in some way, I have encouraged you today. I don't have to know you to care about you or want you to have the confidence that you need to reach your goals and live your life to the fullest!
Never apologize for being who you are. Never apologize for sharing your gifts and talents with the world. Don't make the mistake I used to make by dimming your light to make others feel comfortable.
Laugh when you feel like laughing--out loud! Dance when you hear the music--and go for broke! Be JOYFUL and walk in the confidence of God! When you're at your best, it's only then that you can inspire others to be their best. If God has blessed you with gifts and talents - use them so that He gets the glory and through you, He is able to draw people to Him.
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I'm rooting for you. You've got this!
Precious