With every action there is an equal or opposite reaction. In many instances, so many of us can find fault in the behavior of others but rarely take a moment to ask ourselves “how did my behavior contribute to this?” It was a hard reality for me to face and I didn’t always like the reflection that I got back but I was able to see things in me that I could work on. Change begins from within and we all have the same opportunity to be the change we wish to see.
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We can be our own worst critics or we can be our own biggest supporter. It comes down to your self-talk. When I started writing, I would find myself saying “I don’t write like any other blogger” so for the longest time, I was afraid to share my writings. I was comparing myself to others. What I come to realize is that it’s not what others think that can make or break us but what we say about yourself to ourselves. Only you can be you!
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I was talking with a friend this evening about relationships and some how I recalled a time I was on vacation where I was on a canoe trip. It was a two person canoe and I was in the bow (the front) and the other person was in the stern (the rear). What was suppose to be a fun little excursion, turned into a heated exchange between two very frustrated people.
Sometimes in life we have to have those difficult conversations that have the potential to not stay on the “mature level”. The true sign of your maturity is your response to those types of conversations. Just because the conversation is taking a turn for the worst, does not mean you have to participate. It’s like playing in the sandbox, just because you’re invited in to play and throw sand does not mean you have to. You always have the right to choose even if it means walking away.
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There have been many times that I have gotten my car stuck in the mud and there are valuable lessons I have learned from this experience that I can apply in life. One of the most important things to remember is: Don’t panic. When things are not going your way, the worst thing you can do is just and switch into something without having some type of game plan or destination in mind. When you feel panicky or anxious when things are not working out the way you plan, try and compose yourself first, take a step back, take time to think and assess the situation and then decide what to do. You don’t want to got from one mud hole to the next.
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Your greatest gift is your adaptability. When you can learn to let go of your need to control, life opens up and flows. I am still a work in progress, but I am not so hell bent on having things go “my way”. Life has become more enjoyable and my relationships have significantly improved. I no longer feel as if I have to defend my opinions but rather expand my sense of understanding. Each and every one of us were created with a purpose that this world so desperately needs. As Zig Ziglar so eloquently stated: Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. Know that you are not diminished by anyone else’s opinion.
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In life there is a dynamic duo by the name of Now and Later. To be successful, we have to learn to appreciate now in order to navigate or influence want we want later. Take for instance, whatever you are going through right now in life can provide the tools and the wisdom you need to manage future difficulties later, if you look for it. Take what you learn now and apply it towards what you will face later. It becomes compounded wisdom.
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Everyone has a story but not everyone is willing to share their story, and that’s the sad part. Everyone can learn something from the experiences we are willing to share. There are lessons learned and insights that help paint a bigger picture of this big beautiful thing called life. Your story just may be the piece to someone else’s puzzle.
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During basic training, the instructors emphasized the need for having a “battle buddy”. They were essentially your accountability partner throughout our eight weeks of training. Your battle buddy was the one who help keep you motivated and focused. I have found that a “battle buddy” is not only necessary in the military but also throughout our journey called life. Your “battle buddy” may or may not be your best friend but they will always be the one to go the extra distance with you.
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When you do what you love and love what you are doing with a sense of style and confidence, you are creating a legacy that separates your from the rest. No one can do things the way you do so don’t be afraid the let your style shine through. To be authentic is to be yourself.
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Sweet N Social 
