Unapologetically, Me

Hi Mommas !

I just got done reading 2 different books. I know what some of you are thinking - “Wow, you had time to read not one, but two books?!” I actually can’t believe it myself, although one was an audible, if I’m being honest. The two books were ‘Girl, Stop Apologizing’ by Rachel Hollis and ‘Present Over Perfect’ by Shauna Niequist, both of which were recommended to me by two different people. I absolutely love that I read both of them at the same time and I certainly don’t think it was by coincidence (remember I have a hard time believing in that).

In case you haven’t read either or both of these books, I’ll just give you a really quick synopsis of what I, personally, interpreted.

‘Girl, Stop Apologizing’ is about pursuing your dreams and not letting anything get in the way of it, no matter the dream- big or small. Rachel Hollis is so encouraging and her energy is, no doubt, contagious. She describes herself as a “hustler” and is a go-getter of all sorts, undoubtably a role model for women everywhere.

‘Present over Perfect’ is the acknowledgment that life moves quickly, most of the time too quickly, and she literally quotes that being a “hustler” (the irony was too funny!) can be exhausting and over-rated. She finds so much beauty in simplicity and the small things in life that tend to get over-looked and/or taken for granted. I love that both of these women happen to be pastors’ daughters and are able to reflect on their upbringing and how that’s shaped their (seemingly) different outlooks on life.

So here I was, reading these books in conjunction with one another finding myself questioning, “Which one of these women am I?” and “Where do my beliefs fall in line with these women’s?”. Embarrassingly, I found myself pondering for far too long and want to know the answer that I came up with ? - “Who cares !!”

All too often, we as women, mommas, dreamers, etc feel that we need to belong or be categorized to fit in. Mommas, this is not the case. In case you missed my last blog, I talk about how my anxiety can get the best of me sometimes, which causes me to question the idea of “belonging”, frequently. My anxious thoughts can make me feel like I need to fit a mold to ensure that I’m not judged. If my goals, attitude, and actions don’t align with others’, there must be something wrong with me, right ? No ! Wrong ! So, very wrong ! Ladies, we were created exactly the way we were meant to be. This is not to say that there aren’t things we can work on or strive for, but strive to be better, not to fit in. We were all created to be different and unique; there is so much beauty in that. Encouraging one another to live an authentic lifestyle that is true to each of us an individuals is so important; surround yourself with people who encourage you to do that. Surround yourself with people that notice your quirks (we all have them), but embrace them and love you along the way.

I’ve been back and forth with my career, trying to decide where I belong (also mentioned in a previous blog). Although I don’t have it all figured out, I don’t think I ever will; I’ve noticed at work the last few months that I’m appreciated for, simply, just being who I am. Being able to feel that appreciation and praise has been so fulfilling and empowering for me, and Mommas - I did it just by being me. I brought to the table what I had to offer and found that the right people appreciate it. There is so much power in not only being true to who you are, but to also surrounding yourself with people who notice it and appreciate it too.

Now, I don’t want this to be interpreted that I have it all figured out; that there’s no room for growth. I strive everyday to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday. I often pray for patience and the opportunity for growth, whether that’s spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. I know that there is always room for improvement, but that’s not to say that I’m not enough or that I don’t measure up, and that is the point. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Read that again - “the best version of yourself”. And if the best version of yourself requires a filter some days, rock it. All of us can appreciate a good Snapchat filter on occasion !

Mommas, if you wanna be a hustler, be a hustler. If you wanna be a dreamer, be a dreamer. If you wanna be a blogger (ahem), be a blogger ! If you wanna stay home with your babies, be an incredible career/business women, join the Peace Corps, start a rock-band, travel the world, whatever !; Gosh darnit, do it ! But do it for you. Do it because you want to. Don’t do it because of who may be watching. Don’t do it in fear of the judgement that what you’re currently doing isn’t enough. Because, please know and trust, that you’re enough. To the God of the Universe, your creator; you’re more than enough. You are the greatest thing He has ever done.

I also want to mention that the desire to fit in or belong, is not a bad thing. I think all of us, if we’re being honest, have seen others and wanted what they have, or thought “They do ‘that’, that’s cool, I wanna do that.” That’s ok. That’s community. I truly believe we were created for that as well. With most things in life, it’s about balance. Be confident with yourself along the way of finding that balance and what works for you.

As always, Mommas, thanks for reading along. I am so grateful. Let’s continue to appreciate and pray for one another.

Your,

(unique) Christian Momma