I can only be ME

Today, I’m thinking back to a time in my life when I was constantly sacrificing my authentic self to please others. 

I can only be ME

The people in our lives tend to have these ready-made scripts for us and they expect for us to play our roles without fail.  We are not necessarily provided with these scripts upfront to study and hence have the opportunity to choose if we want to be this character.  However; those around us obviously are expecting for us to “know” and to behave accordingly. 

 It matters little if this character truly represents who you are as a person, your authentic self. Only that you convince others that it is.  There is minimal gratification for these life actors (such as I was for so long) because unlike professional actors, you are not allowed to step out of that character without being met with some sort of punishment.

I gave myself permission years ago to burn the scripts and be me.  I realize that there are parts of me that some will love and others may loathe. Not everyone will agree with my opinion. Some will share my values/beliefs and others will struggle to understand my point of view. Some will like my hair, my dress, the way I speak and others will prefer that I change it.  Some will want me to make the choice that he/she feels is right and instead of what I feel in my heart is right.  And that’s all good. It will always be that way. 

What is important is that you know who you are and that you are comfortable with the person staring back at you in the mirror.  Toss the script and live!!

All the best intentions

Most recent ME _ 🙂

In my heart of hearts, I have had ALL the best intentions of updating my blog weekly. If for nothing else but to ensure that I have some means of creative expression in my life.  Isn’t it funny how “all the best intentions” count for absolutely nothing at the end of the day? Think about it.

If I intended to make it to one of my son’s football/basketball game and didn’t make it, will my “intentions” count as much as actually being there?

If I intended to submit a deliverable at work and failed to do so, will senior management appreciate my “intentions”.

If I intended to pay my electric bill but not got around to it, will Pepco notate my account with my intentions?

If someone tells you that they had every intention of writing you a letter, sending you a card, paying you a visit, keeping their word (you get the picture) yet these never come to fruition, how would you feel?  Sure, you appreciate the thought but tell the truth….in the back of your mind you are thinking “it sure would have been nice if you had actually done it!

Intentions are an admirable start however; it is the actions that realize your intentions that truly matter.  Where would I be?, Where will I be? What hope would my teenagers have?…..If I stopped at my intentions.