It Feels Good!

I started a new job on Monday February 13th. I could not be more proud of myself. I had been at my previous job for about 5 years, it was time to go because I needed more money! Leaving my boss was one of the hardest things I had to do. She was good to me, one of the best bosses I ever had. She did not mind teaching me ALL that she knew. It's not often that you find people as sweet, educated and understanding as her. Though I was not making the money I needed, her presence and knowledge had that much of an impact on me to stay. I strive to eventually become a boss like her. This brings me to the topic of “NEW BEGINNINGS”.

Knowing when to let go is the most important task of life. If leaves did not let their leaves fall off it would damage the tree, if you do not tear up or cut up weeds in your garden it causes harm to the plants and flowers, and if you do not cut off dead ends of your hair it stunts the growth of your hair. In order to say hello you have to say goodbye. Today I want us to focus on something that you will have to say goodbye to in order to say hello. 

Applying for this job gave me the confidence boost I needed. Don’t get me wrong I am a confident individual but in some seasons of life your self-esteem can take a hit. I was able to introduce myself in front of the room and when I spoke you could clearly see that everyone gave me their undivided attention. People who were on their phones looked up, side conversation stopped and all eyes were on me. I am not saying this to toot my own horn BUT “toot toot”. I spoke with true confidence and the things I said about myself I actually believed. This brings me to another “FALSE CONFIDENCE”. 

To me false confidence is when someone is out of touch with who they actually are versus who they want to be. It's the idea that you “fake it until you make it” but this individual has become caught in the “fake it” part. While Ella defines it as "False confidence is when we fake self-assurance and pretend to be good at something that we’re not good at while at the same time projecting courage" in a blog post titled, "How to Turn False Confidence Into True Confidence". Why do I say this so bluntly because I was there before, YOU NEED TO HEAR IT! It is so important to surround yourself with people who will challenge your comfort zone because if you don’t you will never get to your fullest potential until you do. If it weren't for the tough conversation I had to have with all of my friends and family this year I would not have known my strength. I am so very thankful for each relationship that pushes me outside of my comfort zone and forces me to take accountability and self-awareness. 

These are a few of the things that I am letting go of: 

• Overthinking 
• Fear of the future
• Settling in any shape or form 
• Not speaking up for myself 
• Being agreeable to keep the peace  

Writing prompts: 

• What are some things that you are doing in the present that are hindering your future? 
• Do you have an accountability partner? 
• How are you handling the things you need to fix in your life? (i.e. finances, self-care, therapy, self- help) 
• Do the people around you fit the future you have for yourself?
• If yes, what qualities do they have?
• If not, why do they not fit your future?
• Do you have the similar qualities they have?