FEBRUARY 24, 2023
We all have a story as to where we came from and how we grew up that we carry with us our entire lives. My context strength (Clifton Strength Finders 2.0) tells me I always need to keep looking back to see if I am on the right path in making progress for my life or not. As we have discussed in the past, this means knowing WHO we are, whether we are on the right path, who we are taking with us in life, and what legacy we want to leave to those we love. All difficult questions that each one of us needs to reflect on and embrace as we continue our earthly journey. Our upcoming workbook for our Foundational Band of Brothers (and others that may be interested) asks these tough questions and others, into guiding each of us to live our own story of truth, beauty, goodness, and unity.
What is YOUR story? Write it down. Unpack the wounds that all of us have growing up and then move forward. If you don’t, you may just get stuck living a story of; entitlement rather than gratitude, confusion rather than clarity; and dysfunction rather than harmony. What story do you tell yourself? Does it match your REAL story? What is your baseline? It is important to look back to see where you have been by healing old wounds and then look forward so that you are more self-aware of where you are going. Set a firm vision for yourself, your family, and your career. Remember, we all need someone to show us the way. (Fathers and Mothers can only take us so far) Your Elevator Guy was blessed to have great parents, siblings, and friends as role models. For you that weren’t so lucky, who helped show you your way? If you haven’t thanked them or honored them, then you are missing one of life’s most enjoyable experiences by honoring THEM. Don’t dwell on all of the negative things that happened in your life. You may need to forgive those that hurt you (and forgive yourself) before you move on to more joyful and fulfilling experiences life has to offer. Just do it.
Don’t get hung up on your “Invisible Villain” which is the self-talk you participate in day in and day out. Make it positive self-talk because you are loved by others and were made for more. What do you say about yourself? Don’t be conceited or arrogant. Accept and love WHO you are in a healthy manner. Make your self-talk your ally rather than your villain. Negative self-talk becomes visible to others as many of us are blind to the power the villain has over us. Self-talk are all the thoughts you tell yourself. For example; “Oh, I would love to do that, but that would never happen to me.” (Try setting a positive vision for yourself) “That would be amazing, but I am not good enough to make that happen.” (Get some courage here) “I am not smart enough to make that happen.” (You are good at something) Or “I don’t deserve this.” “No one will ever love me the way they love that person.”(God loves you just the way you are) “I don’t know what to do. I’ve never done this before.” YOU ARE SPECIAL so find out what you are good at and move forward toward your goal by overcoming those distractions and obstacles life throws at you.
Set yourself a balanced vision of life and work hard to hold that vision by living it out every day. What do you hope to be? Is it your final destination? Have a bigger vision for yourself and your family. Your vision statement articulates WHAT you aspire to be and WHAT results and goals you want to reach in the future. Have a sense of positive anticipation and not waiting around for the next shoe to drop. Dare to dream a little. Our visions remind us that we are always capable of learning, relearning, and growing into WHAT and WHO we want to be. (Your destiny)
What do you say about yourself? (Watch what you say about others as they have their own issues) Be wise, have some courage, work on self-mastery, and do it all with LOVE. It just might change everything.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” Brene’ Brown