com·mu·ni·ty
a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
In the past, I have been guilty of isolating myself at times. As I welcome 2018, I’m glad to be surrounded by a supportive community. Whether it be my family, my small group at church, lifelong friends, or kindred spirits at work and beyond, it is so much easier to face the ups and downs of life when you don’t have to face them alone. It is easier to move forward when you feel supported, not judged.
I have learned that who you give your time, attention, and energy to really matters. Do something for me. Bring to mind the people to whom you give the best of yourself. What do they bring to your life? Do they build you up? Do they help you grow? Does their influence help you become the best version of yourself? I’m blessed to say “yes” to these questions, but it wasn’t always this way.
Especially when I was younger, I would try to morph myself into whoever I thought certain people wanted me to be. It took me a while to realize that i didn’t always like the facade I presented. I felt empty because I was hiding from all I really had to offer. I’ve learned that I’m better off without certain people (and their influences) in my life. And that’s ok.
Now, I am perfectly fine with being open and honest about who I really am at heart (no matter what people think), and I cling to people who love me for me and encourage me in life’s journey. Plus, I love being a support to them too. There’s joy found in community.
So, here’s my new year’s wish…
May this year find you surrounded by a community who really “sees” you and your value–and makes you feel great about being just who you are. You deserve it!
Fairly Grounded 