The other day I was working on my resume, and I found myself getting discouraged. All that I could see is all my shortcomings and lack of experience. The job I was applying for was one I was interested in but knew going into it I probably didn’t have the qualifications. I felt inadequate-thinking that at 26 I really haven’t done that much. I know deep down that those things aren’t true, but sometimes the lies can seem big and scary in the moment. That was when Ricky took my hand and looked me in the eye and said “ Babe, stop selling yourself short. The things you have done in your life are important and incredible. You are capable of doing anything that you set your mind too.” In that moment I was so incredibly thankful to have somebody to reflect back to me the truth when I could only see the lies. All it took was those few words for me to pause and reflect on the things I’ve done with a different perspective. A new perspective that left me feeling empowered and encouraged. So here is my reminder to you; stop selling yourself short. Don't discount your growth, celebrate it. Every victory in your life is beautiful and it has led you to where you are. Sometimes it is easy to let comparison convince you that the beauty in your life is small and insignificant. Yet beauty isn’t something that is mean to be compared- it is something that is mean to be celebrated. Don’t discount your growth. Some days it can be easy to look in the mirror and to only see your failures and inadequacies. But you must remember that growth has happened and your reflection carries so much more. It carries the beauty of a heart that didn’t give up. It shows a love that cannot be labeled with the small and petty words of others. It shows scars that are proof you showed up and that you are a survivor. It shows a journey that is full of mountain tops and low valleys, and let me tell you beauty grows abundantly in both seasons. I know for me personally it can be easy to let comparison convince me that I have not done enough or grown enough. Comparison tells me that my story isn’t worth anything because others out their have stories that are more exciting and full of purpose. Yet why is it that we feel this need to compare our journeys? Why is it that we are eager to celebrate the growth and beauty in others but cannot see the same in ourselves? It is time to change this, to become people who not only empower others but empower ourselves. To recognize that your story is bold and beautiful and full of love because it is yours and not somebody else's. It is time to stop selling ourselves short.
Rose and Thorn 