(Written on 10.16.18. here is the original social media post with constructive conversation for all of us to noodle on for ourselves, and pass down to the younger generations coming up. Have something of value to add? Please do!)
…So glad I wrestled with “Who Am I Right Now?” for the last couple of months.
It’s #nocoincidence that clarity came on Sunday morning and I finally wrote my answer in a blog (https://tinyurl.com/
I knew I would share my blog from Sunday today, on #truthtuesday…
…And it’s #nocoincidence that my morning meme today was “Two things define us. Our patience when we have nothing and our attitude when we have everything.” Who are you? Who do you want to be?
…With all that’s been shifting in culture, in business, and in life…and as I have stayed consciously connected to the world and social issues around me, and have #challenged my own belief system…I am not who I was even at the start of January 2018.
At the cellular level I have changed, and the core of me knew I had to get clear about who I am today because the answer to that question dictates my behavior, my choices, authentic confidence – and ability to effectively lead – or not.
Today I ran into a well liked, respected, and loved woman who has been (what I feel) dismissive towards me both times that I’ve seen her over the last several years. Today, the third time, she walked into a store where I was shopping for a client. I called her by name and said, “Hello ____!” The owner was tending to both her and I at the same time – I was friendly and casually trying to engage, but…to no avail. When she was leaving I asked, “Which one did you decide on?” With a hurried, “I haven’t decided”, she left the store.
Soon after I headed out and saw her again. I said her name again, “Good-bye _____!”
Another seemingly cold shoulder with a “bye” trailed off…
She has an inspiring story of which I heard in the spring when she was speaking. Feeling the chill, I thought…I will say “Thank you”…and get one last read on the energy I thought I was feeling in case I was mistaking my experience.
I turned around and walked back enthusiastically with “Thank you, we were both volunteering at ______. I was there. You have such an inspiring story!”
What I was intentionally doing was advocating for truth and pushing for it to come out. If there was something there I wanted her to …take down any masks or niceties and tell me. …I hardly know her, and this was our first real interaction, though I’ve expressed my admiration for her contributions from time to time.
I asked, “Is there weird energy between us?”
“No, I just don’t find you interesting to be around.” I think she said, “But I wish you luck…or good luck” -something to that effect.
I laughed and said, “Ok” and went on my way…
I thought, “Good for us!” I got what I wanted – #truth instead of another cold shoulder, and she accessed her voice – because I pursued with mine. Both are empowering.
3 Things:
1. Not everybody is going to like you or think you are interesting to be around –and that’s OKAY! Your job is to be #sure of who you authentically are, what you stand for, and what you’re about. Your gift and opportunity is to #acceptyourself as you evolve into your best self in spite of what others feel/say about you. Celebrate the unique experiences and contributions YOU bring to the world and if you don’t know what that is, just take one small step toward discovering it. (Shoot the fog didn’t lift for me in my life to start doing this until I was in my 30s!). …Stay curious, explore how you can make a difference in your own life, then the world around you…and definitely let the nay sayers be. Life is too short (hectic, fast – happening so fast- is what I’m trying to say) to be concerned with that.
Be so focused on developing yourself for the good of the whole such that you don’t have time to be concerned with the noise (there will always be noise). #JustBeYou
2. It’s no coincidence that this happened TODAY “to test” my “who am I right now” blog (https://tinyurl.com/
3. There’s a cost to authenticity and ownin’ who you really are. The more you step into your #truth, and speak it, engage with it, and live it out loud in a clear, focused, and powerful way…the more you will both #attract people who like you, and #repel those who don’t find you interesting. In either case, YOU WIN!
Why?
Because you are being the best imperfect you with integrity, without shame, regret, insecurity, and __________. THIS provides more #freedom than status, looks, having a big following, or trying to fit in with people who don’t truly care for you.
…No matter what, I value getting to #truth (especially these days). If I have the truth, I can deal with anything. What about you?
I believe that we must engage with #courageousleadership and have tough, #courageousconversations in order to get to the truth in business – and in life- so that we can heal ourselves, our families, cities, nations and the world around us. …No more masks, half truths, or gossiping behind people’s backs. What and who does that serve?
So, who am I right now?
…My truth: I value love and kindness – and fanning the flame of potential in others – especially the invisible, the underdog – and perhaps the misunderstood.
I believe what we all really want is to… #feelsafe, have a #senseofbelonging, and believe that #ourlivesreallymatter. (https://tinyurl.com/
My desire is to be a beacon of hope for that in the lives of others…in spite of what others think of me.
…There will always be someone who doesn’t like you or doesn’t find you interesting, is smarter than you, more attractive than you, wealthier than you, more accomplished than you, more _______ than you. The best thing you have going is to be your #authenticself and #stayinyourlane…
Cheers to championing truth, and insisting on H.O.P.E. -your best is yet to come, XO
XO
#TruthTuesday
#TruthWillSetYouFree
#YourBreakthroughsAreOnThe
Tirelessly & decisively championing YOUr confident personal brand, identity & style breakthroughs for game-changing success in business & in life. Be the Total Package, Kim XO
Kim Peterson works with professionals just like you who are serious about “no more excuses” and want to elevate above the status quo so you can differentiate yourself in the marketplace, achieve greater success with greater ease, and make a bigger impact in the world while attracting more of who and what your really want in business and in life!
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