Own It

There was a time, back when I was not as wise as I am now, when I actually worried about stupid things like appearances. What other people thought of me, why they thought such things, and how those thoughts might come to be.

And it was a crazy, stupid way for me to think because, as we all know, the thought processes of others are completely out of our control. Also, worrying about that was unhealthy and cumbersome to my self confidence and well being.

Since then, I have learned a better way.

Own it.

When you end up taking your kid lunch money still wearing your sweaty gym clothes and no makeup, own it.

When the neighbor comes to your door at 2:00 in the afternoon and you’re still in your pajamas with a fist full of tissues and bed-head—own it.

When you’re on your way to a formal benefit and need to stop by a book launch to support a friend (even though you’re vastly overdressed in a gown) own it.

You are who you are, even when the public perception might be somewhat…less flattering than you’d prefer. I’m not saying you should let yourself go and never try to look and be your best. On the contrary. Looking our best for certain occasions is very important (hence the formal dress in a casual setting).What I’m saying is we’re all human, and occasionally all humans are seen in a light different from what they would normally prefer to be seen. If, by some odd chance, that different light makes people stare a little bit, just smile and wave. It’s all good.

Be glad they didn’t walk in on you naked. Or did they?

Smile and wave, peeps. Just smile and wave.

**Don't forget to enter to win my October Give Back Giveaway. The deadline is extended to Friday at midnight!

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

On Monday, I promised to tell you what kids need to know after a trusted adult breaks their heart and/or spirit.So here it is, the raw truth (for all kids and adults alike):

It does not matter what church you attend, or how often you go. It does not matter what sport you play, your position, your skill level, your choice of uniform colors. It doesn’t even matter if you play a sport at all. Or if you do art, or dance, or music, or writing. It doesn’t matter if your hair is blonde or brown or black or purple or RAINBOW striped, any more than the color of your skin matters. It doesn’t matter where you live, how large your house, the kind of car your parents drive or if you walk everywhere.  

None of these things have anything to do with your value as a very important human being.

You have a purpose, and it is not to be what everyone else in the world thinks you should be, but rather to be YOU. The best you possible. There is always room for improvement. Because no one is, or will ever be perfect. But YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH.

That person who let you down? Obviously, they’re not perfect either. And it’s not up to you to make them see the error of their ways (though, your parents might if ever given the chance). No. Your job is to NEVER listen to the voice they’ve installed in your head that makes you look at the ground instead of straight ahead, that makes you back away from a challenge instead of meeting it head on, that makes you feel the need to apologize for NOTHING.

You are good enough. You have the potential to climb mountains, swim oceans, jump chasms, and visit outer space if that’s what you want to do. What you do with your life is not up to them. It’s up to you. And you have the ability to do it, if only you will conquer your fears and try.

And you know what? You may not be perfect, but your hopes, your dreams? They are. And you have every right, every ability, to reach for them.

Never, ever let anyone—no matter who they are—tell you, or make you feel otherwise.

Okay kids, thanks for listening. I’ll jump off my soap box now. Good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight.

*Yep, still working toward what all this has to do with writing. Friday, peeps. Friday.