Sometimes it’s just too much.
Sometimes even the idea of taking the next step is painful.
Sometimes there’s not even a next step to take.
Sometimes breathing is harder than crying.
Sometimes the hole is deep and you can’t see but down.
Sometimes focus is impossible.
Sometimes that feeling in your guts, that thought in the back of your head, it’s the only feeling, the only thought.
Sometimes it’s like this.
Here’s to make it just “some” times.
Since early on, they tell us it’s going to be easy.
That most things are natural, that talent is innate, that success is overnight. That relationships are a given. That having kids is just as simple as drinking a cup of coffee. That the way you go into the world, your purpose, your principles, are going to be very clear and eventually magically manifest in front of you. Without any effort.
Instead, it’s tough.
Almost every thing that is worth something requires blood, sweat, and tears.
And that’s probably what makes it worth it.
Journey over destination.
Respect.
For some that means being kind to others. For some that means always telling it like it is. For some it is a matter of not wasting anybody’s time. For some it’s about making everyone feel involved.
Professional.
For some that means wearing a suit during workdays. For some that means being calm and in control. For some it is a matter of delivering on the promises. For some it’s about using a given lingo when talking and presenting.
Productive.
For some that means delivering a lot. For some that means delivering well. For some it is a matter of the time it takes to do things. For some it’s about money.
The point being, there is no absolute agreement on what things mean. And just because others have a different definition, it does not mean they are less committed to achieve exactly what you say you also want to achieve.
Your role in all that is to accept this very little fact – that different people have different definitions for the same thing. Not better, not worst. Just different.
Plus, you ought it to yourself and others to set some boundaries for your own definitions, boundaries that people should not overstep if they want to do business with you.
The rest is harmony.
Have you ever waited for your turn to speak – and I mean truly waiting, not forming-the-next sentence-in-your-mind-while-waiting-for-the-other-to-slip waiting?
Have you ever given others the time to express themselves the way they want before correcting their annoying behaviour?
Have you ever wanted for others, sincerely, something you also wanted for yourself? Have you tried to help them achieve that rather than cutting their chances with petty complaints?
Have you ever just asked a question without immediately anticipating the answer?
If you have, you know it’s magic. And it’s just what the world needs more of.
Why do we reject compliments?
Why can’t we take in positive comments, appreciations, praises?
Why don’t we make of a great review as big a deal as we do of a terrible one?
We need to be able to use compliments to shield us from stress and anxiety, to write with them the soundtrack to our days, to hold them close while we build our own identity.
Say “thank you!” the next time someone compliments you. Let it sink in, make it yours. Take it.
You've got this 