It’s crazy how we can allow ourselves to get so consumed by what others think of us. A few (too many) times I’ve felt the need to show up ready to impress. I’ve given plenty of thought to questions I may need to field field from others and I’ve spent time rehearsing in my mind the successes I feel are worth sharing, carefully handpicking only those stories that will shine the best light on me. We can become so focused on looking and acting the part that there’s very little chance to make any sort real and lasting impact because we’ve made it all about us.  

You may or may not be willing to admit that this, too, is something you battle, but I’ve talked to enough people to know that I’m not the only one to walk this path. We try to look and act a certain way, say the right words, share the right stories, etc. And it’s all done in an effort to make it seem as if we have it all together/figured out and we don’t need help from ANYONE! We can wear ourselves pretty thin just thinking about how we’re going to pull off looking impressive. 

If your heart is to impact people and make a difference, your time and energy is best spent on just being yourself. It sounds so simple doesn’t it? But reality often proves otherwise. It requires you and I to get comfortable being vulnerable and transparent in sharing our failures, struggles, and shortcomings, knowing that this is what others can really resonate with.  

We’re all looking for encouragement and isn’t it interesting that we can give and receive it best when we’re willing to be real and to speak truth? It’s in the sharing of our “hard”- our failures and disappointments, NOT our successes, that we can offer each other such incredible hope and inspiration and make a significant impact. In doing so, we remind each other that no one is free from struggles and no matter what, things are going to be ok. We can endure adversity together by sharing our hurts and loving and praying for each other. More impacting and less trying to impress others for this girl. What about you?