Stay true to who YOU are.

In my journey through life I see people looking to create a mirage, a smoke screen of who they are merely to impress others. They don't believe being themselves is enough. They work really hard at presenting an image that takes so much time and energy to create and maintain that it drains them completely. I can't imagine what it must feel like to wake up wondering what is going to be said, calculating every move and ensuring to do "exactly" what must be done to put forth the face they want to present; that seems extremely exhausting. If the sole purpose of such hard work is to put on a mask, you will not have accomplished much. It is a sad sight, one that in the end does nothing but bring bitter memories, a weakened spirit and a lifetime of unhappiness. I have always had a problem being someone other than who I am. It sure has made it interesting to say the least . I have learned lessons along the way that have helped me in developing who I already am within the confines of what I believe.
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The sooner you discover who you are; you embrace your strengths, and work on your weaknesses, the happier you will be. There is always room for improvement; however, you have to know where to begin. Enhance "YOU". Make "You" better if you feel you need improvement.

By embracing who YOU are and knowing what needs to be improved, not only are you on the right path to self discovery, you are on your way to self acceptance and will give yourself opportunity for growth. The possibilities are endless! We all have a gift, some of us are wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper , others have a bow, but there are also some that come in brown paper bags . The importance is not in the wrapping but rather in the contents of the box. Unwrap YOUR gift; give yourself a chance, you may be surprised to discover its contents.

A matter of perspective

It is simply amazing how things can change. I compare it all to a cube. One thing may seem perfect depending the perspective from which we are looking at it. Turn it slightly over and it just may show you a different side. I believe that the term "a blessing in disguise" is an example of what I mean. One action, one person can bring so much happiness to one and at the same time so much sorrow. How something you always wanted turns into that which you never expected.

Have you ever wondered why something happened? Have you ever pondered what would happened if something was just "different" but does it really matter? It will never be different, we will never know the "what if" of the other option. That is why living life, making choices and taking consequences is extremely important. Make your choices and with those enjoy your successes and learn from your mistakes. It makes life purely enjoyable and a journey worth revisiting. Do what you desire after thinking it through, enjoy your ride for as long as it lasts. Take the consequences of your actions and acknowledge your mistakes, apologize if necessary and move on! Don't live stuck in a past full of pain, regret and selfpity. Worse yet, don't ignore your mistakes and pretend that it was doomed to happen, because you will continue to make the same mistake again!

Live and grow with each breath, make life beautiful and worthwhile. Create your own path rather than walking through one that has been designed. Dare to be different, dare to challenge your own accomplishments and move forward and you will see that you can achieve results beyond that which you thought were possible. You are your own brakes, don't stop yourself!

Path to self discovery

I am undertaking a trip along a path of self-discovery. A simple question posed by a teenager made me ponder if I truly had the answer for him. He asked me "Who are you?" His intentions were not to offend. He truly wondered why I was asking him questions (which were asked to fulfill the obligations of my daily assignment). I, of course, gave him the answer to another question; I told him what my position was, I explained what I "did" for a living and the reasons why I had to ask questions and guide him in his path. It truly amazed me how I didn't really know "who I was". I know what I have accomplished, what I do for a living, who I matter to the most and who is dependant upon me; but is that who I am? or is that part of what I do. I am a wife, I am a mother, I am a daughter and above all I am a creature of God. However, to fulfill those roles, I have to have a foundation - it's starts with who you are and you build upon that.

See, if I am a wife (and that is who I truly am) what happens when if my husband is no longer around? Who am I then? So that cannot be simply who I am! This caused me to embark in a trip down the path of self discovery. Who am I? The answer to that will yield a response to why I am (or not) a good wife, mother, daughter, teacher, etc. Now, I am not here because I'm confused, I'm here because I'm a deep thinker that wants to go beyond the monotony of what we should say, what should be done because it's the thing most people do! I am a free thinker who loves to see things from a different angle. I am confusing and complicated, I am gentle and stubborn. I am simply "ME".