I've been deeply pondering a lot these last couple of months. Something about being as far away from your comfort zone as you can possibly get, does that to you. One thing that occurred to me is how much I've changed over the last several months. Well actually the last 8 months, but particularly the last 2 1/2 months. I've learned so much about myself. I've realized I had no idea who I was. As I've had to face my fears and insecurities I've discovered my weaknesses. Some I've been able to overcome, some I'm still working on, and many are still lurking in the path ahead. But I have no doubt that in due time I will conquer them as well. I have gained so much strength from my hardships. Mostly battles with myself. Battles between who I am and who I want to be.
I've heard many people say, "That's just who I am". Shoot, I guarantee that I've said that a time or two. But I don't believe that's true. It may be who you are at that moment, but it doesn't have to stay that way. Who you are naturally and who you can be if you really try are more than likely completely different people. You can always change. You can be better. You can be the best you possible. You just have to decide to do it. The "that's just who I am" in you is allowing yourself to be defined by your weaknesses. We all have them. But we can all overcome them. Stop justifying your imperfections. Stop giving them power over who you are. If you have a weakness, especially one you don't like, I challenge you to do something about it. Make a change. Be better than you thought you could be. I did. And by doing so I discovered how much potential I have.
I am a good person. I like good things. I love surrounding myself with good people. Ones who inspire, uplift, edify, and encourage. I have a lot of those in my life. I call them my eagles. (If you want to know why, let me know, perhaps it'll be the topic of an upcoming blog post). To all of my eagles, thank you from the depths of my heart. I am who I am today because of you.
To anyone who feels like there is something they want to change. Perhaps I could share a tip or two. Take it for what its worth. Start with faith. If you don't stand for anything you'll fall for everything. Decide what you believe and believe it. Live what you believe. In every aspect of your life live what you believe. When you're with friends, when you're at work, when you're home alone...live what you believe. Hopefully whatever you believe is good and that good can spread to those in your life. If so, maybe, just maybe we can make the world a better place.
The theme of my 2011:
While I was busy doing things I never thought I could do, I found out who I am.
