Everyone is not going to like you. Everyone is not going to agree with you. Similar to the word “fetch”, we’ve got to stop trying to make that happen. Being a people pleaser might work for a while but believe me, it has its stopping point. That point is usually when you realize that making everyone happy is an impossible goal. I’ve worked really hard to be able to look in the mirror and like what I see and I’m not letting anyone’s email, text, phone call, or strongly worded memo take all of that away from me. I know who I am and I think I’m pretty awesome. Obviously, I’m a work in progress but who isn’t?

As long as you know that at the end of the day you did your absolute best and that you worked really hard to make decisions that are appropriate, that are for the better, that are in line with the mission of the matter at hand and that are congruent with your personal/professional values then I don’t think you should lose any sleep. Most people’s “stuff” is a reflection of how they feel about themselves and you just happened to get caught in the crossfire. I have my crown and tiara packaged in my high school memories box. As far as I know, I’m not running for Homecoming Queen ever again in my life.

Everyone has an opinion and in the great US of A they also have the right to share it. That doesn’t mean that you have to respond to it and it doesn’t mean that you have to let it break your spirit. Both of these notions are super hard for me as I have a bit of a temper and my automatic response is to RESPOND! I can breathe fire when needed! However, I am learning to breathe and fix my thoughts on Him. That doesn’t mean that four/five letter words don’t pop into my mind or come out in communication with others (I’m working on that, I promise) but it has calmed my typing fingers down a bit and it has prompted me to write some carefully crafted bullet points before a confrontation. Some things I just won’t respond to because I know that I’m not there yet to be able to do that in a way that is mature, respectful, and a reflection of the actual nature of my heart. Fighting fire with fire can lead to trouble. Like firemen, I think it is time that I begin fighting fire with water. Seems to work for them, right?

At the end of the day, I have to work to please Him. Man’s favor is not what I desire. Man’s opinion will never bring me fulfillment.

Listen to Francesca Battistelli’s “Strangely Dim“. Great song about focusing on God and having all of your worries and doubts go “strangely dim”.

So, the next time someone blows fire your way think about whether or not it is even worth your time to respond. I’m working really hard to get better at this and I hope you’ll join me. If nothing else, if you haven’t yet already arrived at your destination, then continue on the journey to loving yourself and always keep your eyes on God.

Later Y’all.