Whitney’s passing… a lesson in compassion. She was scrutinized, when she needed Love and understanding.♥ via Lisa Kay
{I’ve been thinking about this all morning. It can be so easy to judge another’s choices without walking in their shoes. There’s nothing to be gained or learned out of judgement. Love and compassion…absolutely a better path} ♥
I was watching OWN one evening. I think it was Oprah’s Lifeclass, but don’t quote me on that. I remember Oprah saying something about how we teach what we most need to learn.
I think Richard Bach was the originator for the quote, “We teach best what we most need to learn.”
Regardless, when Oprah said that, it struck a chord in me. It was definitely what she would refer to as an ah-ha moment, because it’s something that I’ve wrestled with quite a bit.
I’ve been wanting to write about what I’m learning in hopes that others would gain something from it as well. Not only that, but I do feel that when you “teach” others, you “learn” better and absorb the information in ways that have a greater impact in your own life. Choosing to share or teach adds an element of accountability too; practice what you preach! That’s another one of my motivations; writing about all of this will help hold me accountable to “walk” the “talk.”
Unfortunately, I’ve held back on all of this for far too long. I’ve caught myself saying, “But who am I to “teach” or share this stuff…I’m not an expert.” I’ve also been told by others many times that I’m “so young” and “people might not be receptive” to me because I “couldn’t possibly have enough life experience to be considered credible.”
I’ve come to realize that I’ve had wrong thinking about all of this and other’s judgments toward me have also been misguided.
It’s time to stop worrying about what other people think. It’s time to stop the negative, self-defeating chatter and follow my heart. It’s time to start listening to the nudges instead of ignoring them, and then becoming antsy because I know that there’s something I’m supposed to be doing. Can you relate to that feeling?
My theory is that I will begin to have more peace and become more comfortable in my own skin if I just push my way through the fears and go for it! I’ll discover more of who I really am. And that’s kind of exciting when I think about it that way.
Take a look at Ellen DeGeneres, look at how her life has changed since she decided that living her truth was more important than what others had to say about her. I think most will agree that she’s truly thriving since making that commitment to living an authentic life.
And you should too! Go for it that is! If you’re holding back in some area of your life, or if your hiding any aspect of yourself for fear of judgement and criticism, then start by taking small action steps toward “coming out” (not about your sexuality, but any aspect of who you really are). Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to take things at a comfortable pace, but be sure to continue to take small actions until you’re fully expressing your truth or true self.
The other day, a Facebook friend of mine, Lisa Kay, shared a quote that was so brilliant.
“People pleasing is not what you are here to do. You all have something unique that this world needs, and it cannot unfold, nor be shared if you are people pleasing. Stay connected to that quiet loving voice deep within you that keeps reminding you who you really are.”
That’s powerful, isn’t it! I just love that. I am going to start making this my new mantra to remind me and encourage me to continue writing and sharing the truths that I’m discovering in life. Now, the question is, will you join me?!
