you can do it… alone.
everything you need, you already possess.
Carina, was pitching a tent at the local farmer’s market. A neighboring business owner offered to help. Carina politely refused the offer. Then, another business owner, who was very insistent, also offered assistance. Again, Carina refused. The seemingly disgruntled, or slightly offended “helper” began to break down her experience, expertise, and reasoning behind wanting to “help.” “I don’t want my tent to get knocked down if yours falls,” she said. It’s the “IF” for me…. What if we left people alone when they asked us to do so?
Just Breathe! There is power in silence. Listen.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you just wanted to scream, “LEAVE ME ALONE,” and meant it? I don’t know why it is so hard for us to mind our business. What’s far worse is learning how NOT to impose or impress our fears upon others. In the scenario above this woman almost hindered the progress of another because of her negative thoughts and inherent fears. First of all, fear is not real. I have learned that danger is real, however, fear is created. Stop dragging people into your illusion of reality. If we could all look through God’s eyes, maybe we’d see things differently. Even so, we have to respect one another’s vision.
Take a hike, instead of another power trip. give people room and space to grow.
When we look at our own strengths and weaknesses it is easy to doubt or question another’s. We all have a certain level of independence and resilience. Some people, like Carina, make it look effortless and easy to pursue, press and persevere. How is she able to do this? She pushed herself beyond mental (and external) limitations. She refuses to live inside of the mental prisons that we create in our minds.
Carina was not intending to appear unapproachable, standoffish, or rude. She simply desired space and time to grow. Why can’t we afford one another with that luxury, without being offended or rude? We cannot allow anyone or anything to hinder our growth, suppress our success, or stifle our willingness to just do it… whatever IT is. Carina never had to give a single explantation after, “NO!” That statement is clear. In love, for herself, and her community that she was newly apart of, she explained that if she did not do this for herself, by herself, at that time, that she would not know how the next time. There is no such thing as trying, when you DO!!! Even if you don’t succeed the first, second, or third time… YOU DID IT!
We must learn the importance of learning and unlearning things. We must also learn the power of NO. Tell yourself NO when you want to give in, give up, or fall out. It's okay to take a break and a second look. It's okay to accept help. It is not okay to take advantage, or sell yourself short. It is not okay to assert yourself into someone's situation. That's when a power trip, a hike, and a mini vacation could turn out to be an adventurous fall. 