We're All In This Together

 We’re All In This Together

Rebuilding is a daunting task at times. I am getting super excited about the possibilities for my new journey. Then just as quickly, I am hearing the inner voice that tells me I won’t succeed, I am not accomplished enough, why am I starting over, what do I have to show for all of my forty-six years, and the list goes on.

This time, I am determined not to allow that evil voice to shut me down. It’s time to talk back! 

I am fortunate to have people in my life that help build up my new walls in a positive way. I have a small but growing strong group of women that I know I can count on for positive affirmations, support, little reminders of how I impact others, idea sharing, shared goals, kindness, and love in a non-judgmental space. This should be so easy to find but as a woman seems especially challenging. 

When we truly open up and allow others to see our authentic selves we lift the veil and the truth comes out. We see that we are not so different. We all have our own insecurities. We all need someone to fix our crowns and support us in our struggles. We are all in this together.

Being Intentional

As I rebuild, I am taking the time to look for the materials that will last and withstand the storms of life. For me, part of this is being intentional in my relationships with friends. Recently we were having what we call book club but is really an intentional way to make time together and the subject came up of not feeling “good enough” to be put on display as a where are they now.

Each of us had our own feelings of inadequacy for where we thought we would be at this age or what we thought was expected of us. Quickly, each of us were able to lend our voice to shine a light on how we view one another and our accomplishments. It was plain to see that we are our own worst enemies.

It became clear that we need to focus on revisiting where we started, where life experiences changed our path, and what we have built through adversity and experiences. We need to remember that our worth is not based on a title, a degree, or a certain level of wealth. We need to ignore what we are seeing on social media and focus on all the ways we have an impact. The butterfly effect starts with one small motion…so do we.

What I Have Built

I don’t have a degree with letters behind my name and that’s my choice. I don’t have a six-figure career and that’s my choice. I do have a marriage of 23 years…that takes HARD WORK! I have three wonderful children…not everything is perfect…but we have done our best and pray that in the end they know they were loved more than anything in this world. I have family and friends that love me as I am and love my family as we are. 

I have been a worker, leader, volunteer, friend, and family member. I could add even more titles. But they are just that, titles. In the end, they don’t make me more or lesser of a person. In each part of my life, I have added value to those around me. Hopefully, when people think of me, most of what they remember is positive and it makes them smile to think of me. If they don’t, and in some way, I hurt them, I hope they know it was never intentional. 

All the small ways I have impacted the world add up. I have built a wonderful life and I won’t tell myself any different anymore.  I accept myself as I am, perfectly imperfect!

The Next Journey

Whether a person was in my life for a season, a reason, or always, they have impacted me and I value those relationships. My village is important to me and I hope you will all stay with me on this journey.

Life is speeding ahead and I am taking all my skills learned from my various jobs, volunteer experiences and my hidden talents and moving forward to a new career. It’s scary and exciting all rolled into one but I’m ready to build my future.

 Adventure awaits and I’m racing toward this next one!