The Chances We Don't Take
When was the last time you took a chance on something? And I mean "really" took a chance. What do I mean? Well, let me explain.
I live a very busy life. We are cattle ranchers, we raise half-draft horses, and we help my folks out who are also ranchers. Back in October we made a decision for our family and I began home-schooling our ten-year-old son. I write for several different publications, I blog, and I run a VERY successful business from my home. Perhaps the biggest shock of all to some is that I'm one of THOSE people. I'm the kind of person that gets those "looks" because of what I do. Now, mind you...I don't get looks because we ranch or because we home-school. I get looks because I'm involved in a network marketing company/multi-level marketing company/direct sales - or whatever you want to call it. For the most part, people look at me funny. Or they don't.....they ignore me, judge me, or think I'm "over the top". I've been doing this for 4 and a half years and I've decided it's time to just be HONEST with you all.
Is if fair that I'm judged for what I'm doing? I don't think so. It's not like it's illegal, harming anyone, or something that involves no morals. In fact, what I represent is all natural and even made in America! BUT still....it happens. I get unfriended on social media. I get blocked. I get unkind messages at times. Some of the closer people in my life (so I thought) no longer talk to me. They've put me in a category I guess. Actually, I'm not sure what they've done with me, but I know that we no longer have the same relationship that we once had. It is the way it is.
I find this sad, unfair, and unkind all at the same time. I really can't understand it and honestly I don't care to. I know that I'm a cheerleader for others. I love nothing more than seeing my friends and family healthy, successful, and improving in the four corners of life (mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually). I love new experiences, I love different view points, and I love forcing myself out of my comfort zone. It's funny to me that I am judged the way I am when the majority of those judging have no idea what it is that I even do. They think they know, but all they see is the very outside cover. How ironic is it that I love writing about judging a book by its cover. :) Those folks don't know the long hours I've put in, the challenges I have faced, the angst I've felt when I've been given the cold shoulder...even though they think they've concealed that from me (they haven't). I've felt it...loud and clear. BUT...you want to know what?!
I DON'T GIVE A DANG!!!
WHAT?! Yep, I don't. I've learned how to grow beyond caring what others think. I've become stronger than I ever thought I was capable of. I'm on a mission here and I know that it's up to me to stay focused and committed on what I'm doing and where I'm going. Not everyone will understand this journey that I'm on. Not everyone will be clapping for me when I look around. I know this...my husband and my son are cheering for me. That matters most to me. I know that the hundreds of thousands of lives that my team and I have helped to impact matters. I know at the end of the day the naysayers, disapprovers, and folks who don't understand don't matter. I know that I'm creating time freedom and financial freedom for my family and at the end of the day nobody else pays my bills. So there....I've said it! I've gotten it off my chest. I've addressed the elephant in the room.
Most likely if you are reading this, my explanation and words mean little to you. They most likely aren't about you. However, if you have someone you care about in this world and they decide to walk down an unfamiliar path...don't be THAT person to them. Be an encourager. Be a light-chaser. Be their cheerleader. Be the sunshine. There is enough darkness already in this world...don't add to it.
If you find an opportunity or in my case if an opportunity finds you...YOU GO AFTER IT!! Don't mind what others say. Don't worry about the negative nellies or the people who don't care for what you are doing. The things people say and do are more of a reflection of them than they are of you anyway. If someone is trying to squash your dreams or the direction you are going...be mindful of what they have accomplished in their lives. Don't be rude, but make a mental note of it. If they "settled" in life do not give in. Hold steady...put your blinders on and put one foot in front of the other. Surround yourself with other goal-getters and people on the same mission that you are on. There is strength there!! Whatever opportunity is in front of you...go after it. You've heard that opportunity only knocks once right?! Well, if it's knocking don't wait...kick the dang door down and go after it! Don't be the kind of person later in life that says, "Gee, I wish I would have." Be the kind of person that looks back and says, "Dang, I'm glad I did!"
I believe in you...I believe in me. Believe in yourself!! GO GET IT!!!
