Be The Change

"The beauty about your journey, is that it belongs to no one else but you." T Ferrainolo 

Life comes at you fast, and without warning sometimes.  One minute things are going your way, and the next thing you know you're having a face-to-face meeting with the concrete pavement, whether it's from the loss of a job, a broken commitment,  the death of a loved one, or something else that just stumbled into your path.  

When you get knocked down, remember it's okay to hang out on the floor for awhile.  Take a rest, do some push ups, and get back up again. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Regardless of what knocked you down, after catching your breath, get back up and press on.  Here are some tips to get you back on your feet:

1. Clutch onto your faith - God is the only thing that is going to carry you through your valley of the shadow of death.  Surround yourself with other Christians to build you up; read your Bible daily; subscribe to daily devotionals, like The Upper Room Daily Devotional; get involved with your church; get involved with a Bible study, either a virtual or in-person group; listen to Christian music daily, such as K Love Radio; and pray daily, or call on someone to pray for you whenever you don't feel strong enough that particular moment.  
2. Learn to face your dark side - This takes a lot of courage and time, but God will help reveal this to you, and at the right time because to be quite frank, it's very difficult to face your ugly side, but we all have one and the sooner you face it, the less it will continue to haunt you in your present and future.  Bu facing out bad side, we're not only fine-tuning our journey and becoming a better person, we're also creating a better environment for everyone around us.  This one takes a lot of time, patience, courage, and work; it does not happen over night.  Ask those who you love and who love you to reveal some areas in your life that need some attention.  You may become defensive, but remember you're trying to become a better you, so put your guard down and embrace the feedback.  Take your time with this exercise because it can be quite overwhelming. 
3. Pursue a hobby - I found my new love for boxing at Warriors' Call Boxing.  I not only have a wonderful way to unload a lot of unhealthy feelings in a more positive manner, I have also become more physically fit, and have finally had the opportunity to put on healthy weight.
4. Make a Bucket List - Now is your chance to really live your life.  Do not be afraid to live your life with passion, curiosity, and adventure; you only get one life to live, live it well.  Make a list from things you have always wanted to do or try, and get it done!  Be realistic about them, but do not limit yourself on your new journey.
5. Smile - Learn to smile and to wear it often; it's the most beautiful thing about you, it cost nothing to give, and it can change the attitude or the person receiving it.  Even if it feels weird, just start doing it.  Do not regulate your smile on someone else's behavior.  Even when people are mean, just give them a smile; remember, you're the one trying to become a better person.  It's not your job to make that person better, but it can start with you, so Be The Change, and inspire them to do the same.

I cannot fix your inner turmoil, that's is a job between you and God, but I can offer you some encouragement, a smile, and a piece of me that is filled with love and acceptance of your true potential.  I can see past your mistakes, trials, hurts, and failures.  We're all made beautiful, and in His image, don't let your negative attitude destroy your true potential of being beautiful from the inside out.