Working hard? Or Hardly Working?

As I sit here watching the Olympics, I can't help but be in awe of how much these athletes put into their passion. So many days, weeks, years of training to compete against the world's best. Many of these athletes also hold 9-5 jobs while they are training to go to the Olympics. So why is it that many of us don't fight the same way for our lives?

Why do so many people seem to let life happen to them instead of being alive and taking over their own life? Yes, I got laid off. Yes, I haven't worked in almost a year and yes, I do have my moments of weakness where I am unsure. Instead of seeing these as obstacles, I choose to see these as opportunities. I choose not cry each day but to keep my head up high and know that God is preparing me for what he has prepared for me. I choose to do something each day that will improve my current situation, not hinder it.

I know that I am very fortunate, no make that blessed, to have such a supportive family and not have anyone beyond myself and my dog that I must take care of, but that's relative. Although financially I only have myself to consider, my decisions really affect everyone else in my family and affect the way I see myself.

I was recently asked to look into a mirror and beyond the physical to describe what I saw in it. The woman I saw is a woman who is fiercely independent and proud and someone who finds it hard to let other really help. I see someone who always puts on a brave face, even if I'm scared to death of what may happen. But mostly, I see someone who strives to be a better person each day. I see a woman who loves God and knows that he put me on this Earth for a reason, even if I'm not quite sure what that reason is yet.

I see a woman who works hard at school, friendships, family relationships and most importantly her relationship with God. When I look in the mirror, I see a woman who works hard, not a woman who is hardly working. I am my own Olympic athlete and although I may not be representing my country for the world to see, I am representing God and the woman he has made me. I will fight for my life and not let life just happen to me.

JYP

Fake It Til You Make It

All of us have a "mantra" or something that we tell ourselves when things seem to be going awry. Something that helps make us feel better or helps to remind us why we are doing the things we are doing and keep us focused. For me the above phrase is THE phrase for me. "Fake it til you make it" is my way of telling myself that I WILL persevere and get through the rough patches that are inevitable in every journey. So when I'm in the midst of one of those rough patches, why let anyone see it?

Ok, so it may sound like I'm just covering up emotions or not facing my fear, but it's actually the opposite. I have my tight knit friends that I confide in and receive much valued opinions from, but what good would I be to anyone else if I am constantly venting my challenges to those who don't know me very well or at all? If someone you considered an acquaintance spilled their emotions to to you each time they were feeling down how long would you want to be around them? How long before you start avoiding them all together? I suppose not too long.

So going back to my "fake it til you make it" mantra. It may sound cheesy but imagine going through a terrible day; another day of submitting countless resumes, trying to figure out how all your bills will be paid on your unemployment check and knowing there are people counting on you. Do you break down, succumb to your moment of weakness and insecurity? Or, do you "fake it til you make it" and push through that moment of weakness until your mind catches up with your words? At that point, you won't have to fake it...because at that point- you have made it.