Archive | May, 2021

Fitting In or Standing Out

4 May

Life is full of differences, and sometimes it seems just when we’ve figured everything out where we are, something happens and suddenly everything changes. Variety may be the spice of life, but when we’re different from everyone else, we may wish for commonality. There’s a lot to be said for sameness when we feel out of our element, and like the odd man out. We’re all individuals, and nobody is exactly like anyone else, but cultural and other influences may cause people to adopt similar behaviors and traditions. If we’re new to the scene, and aren’t like everyone else, we may feel uncomfortable. It’s easier to fit in when everyone is on the same page and doing the same things. We may feel pressure to conform to a behavior or pattern we don’t understand or don’t want. Fitting in usually makes social situations easier, and if we look like everyone else, use the same language and act the same way, we will be able to blend in. Nobody stands out when they are just like everyone else. There may be times when we’ll want to blend in and basically be invisible because we are unsure or lack the confidence necessary to do things our own way. We can certainly fade into the background all we like, but we are the only ones on the entire earth who can offer the gifts we have to give. The blessings we have to share are ours alone and will bring great light and benefit to those around us. But nobody will ever know what we have if we stay quiet and hide in the shadows. We don’t have to be loud and boisterous to make ourselves known, but we can step forward and share our lives and ideas with those around us. We have so much to offer and we can be confident enough to speak up. We can be ourselves and still find our place, no matter where we are. The whole world is blessed because we are here.

We make lots of connections as we go through our lives and build many kinds of relationships. Those around us may wish to include us in their activities, and we can certainly participate in anything we like. But we never have to do anything we don’t want to do. Just because everyone else in the group wants to be involved, if it doesn’t feel right for us, we may politely decline and step away. Our journey is ours to design and we can manage it any way we like.

There may be times when because someone has authority over us, we may be compelled to do certain things we don’t want. Our bosses, our family members, someone we love and honor very much, may ask us for something we would prefer not to do. In those moments, it will be up to us to weigh agreement against any ramifications a denial may bring. Every situation is different, and we are smart enough and wise enough to make the best decision at every turn.

Today if you’re having trouble fitting in where you are, remember you are unique and valuable. You don’t have to go along to get along. Be yourself and share your ideas. Your gifts are valuable and worthwhile. Stand tall and be confident. The whole world is better, and we’re all blessed because you are here.

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Fated

3 May

Every day we make lots of decisions. We can never read the future, and although we try to choose well, there will be times in everyone’s life when things don’t work out. We may take a wrong turn and end up far from where we want to be, we might choose something that hurts us or those around us, or we may make a decision that makes our lives miserable. We all know when we’re on the wrong road, but because of circumstances, we might not immediately turn around and redirect our course. Life is complicated and if we’re tangled up in a situation with others it may be difficult to free ourselves and walk away. If we continue forward and it turns out we made a disastrous decision, we will pay the price, whatever that may be. We may lose friends, disappoint family, hurt those we care about, or damage our credibility. We can never change the past, but where we’ve been cannot define what we can become. We aren’t fated to failure because we’ve made a mistake. Our lives are in our control and when we’re ready to change direction and start again, we can. Nothing can keep us on a journey we don’t want to make. When we’re ready to change, we can stop where we are, look at all the options possible and choose the best road moving forward. Our past mistakes are not indelible ink, permanently tattooed on us. We can repair damage from a bad decision, rebuild relationships and forge ahead. It doesn’t matter what’s behind us. What counts is what lies ahead and how we move forward. There is great success waiting, and we can do what is needed to reach it. No goal or destination is too far or too difficult to achieve. We can change anything at any time and move toward the lives we want the most. What’s gone is gone, and the future is ours to design. Nothing can keep us from anything we desire, and we will succeed.

There are people all around us most of the time, and when we falter, chances are others will notice. Some may simply see what’s happened and move on. Others may hold onto it and try to use it to hold us in place. They may remind us of where we went wrong in the past, and continually bring up our shortcomings. Nobody is perfect and we all have things we need to work on. There is nothing to be gained by constantly rehashing past mistakes. By learning as much as possible from where we’ve been, we can take that knowledge with us to help us as we move forward.

Personal pain can be very difficult to overcome. If we’ve gotten hurt badly by a choice that tilted us in the wrong direction, it can be hard to let go of the disappointment. We may think we should have known better, but nobody can see the end of the road from the beginning. We are intelligent and can trust ourselves to make the best choices moving forward. We can have faith that no matter what comes, we will prevail.

Today if you’re struggling over a mistake you made in the past, and it’s holding you down, think about all the things you’ve done well. You are good at many things and nothing can keep you from success. Trust yourself and step forward with confidence. All your dreams are ready and waiting. There is great success ahead, and you will reach it.

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