I love a fresh new start to each week.
Each Monday morning I feel focused and fired up for success.
A brand new week with endless opportunities.
I feel free.
Free to fill my days with hard work, hobbies, and art. In my life, they all go together. Finding a separation between each category is nearly impossible.
Balancing all my loves together isn't so easy either.
There was a time in my life when I was quite concerned with being successful in the eyes of other people.
As a pastor's wife, I made sure I was 'seen' enough.
As a mom, I would make sure I volunteered enough at school.
As a business owner, I made sure I created enough, sold enough, offered enough, and worked enough.
Until I had finally had enough.
You and I cannot control the outlook another person has of us. We should not base our actions, nor our feelings, on what someone else could possibly perceive.
We are only responsible for doing our best in each area of life.
Family. Love. Work.
(Source)
Over time I gave up.
I gave up caring what negative things people thought.
I gave up trying to change perceptions.
I gave up hoping smiles, greetings, and conversations would change misunderstandings.
I gave up trying to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, in order to determine the right outcome.
I started asking myself, "What would I be doing differently if I wasn't afraid of anything or anyone?"
I chose to open my eyes wider, and see the positive that was already around me.
The positive comment via social media.
A compliment from another artist online that visited my shop.
A friendly greeting from a person I saw every day, but hadn't taken time to chat.
The love of friends in my life that know me, and accept me for who I am.
The open arms of so many new people I've met. You see, I changed my personal schedule so that I can have an entire day available as my Sabbath.
In turn, I attend church on a different day than I am use to.
It seems like each week I am greeted by people I had never seen before.
Many of these precious people express that worship music led them to church, and now to a better life.
They are attentive and kind to say a special, "Thank you."
It took courage to change so many things, but I am glad I did. I would have missed out on all these special moments.
I would have missed out on new experiences.
I would have missed out on fresh inspiration.
I simply would have missed out.
Don't be afraid to make those changes you've been thinking about. Find the courage deep within yourself.
Go ahead and give up!
Give up caring what anyone else thinks. The ones that love you will stay really close, and probably fall in love with you even more.
It's a New Year. It's a New Season.
Every moment is a Fresh Start.
What would you be doing differently if you weren't afraid? Do you have dreams that have been put on the back burner? What is something you want to give up?
Leave a comment, if you wish. I would love to hear your thoughts.....
Loving and Living Life.............. Amanda
