Acceptance: What 2016 Will Hold

For the past 2 years, I have prayed around Christmas time for one word that will stand out to me for the next year. In 2014, that word was "focus" and I gained new perspective that year. In 2015, the word was "confidence" and I truly believe this past year helped build my confidence up with all of the ups & downs that hit me like a ton of bricks.

I can only say that 2015 has been a year that I want to move past. It wasn't a great year but it was most definitely a year full of eye-opening events that helped me know myself better and helped me grow. I read many of my friends' Facebook posts saying that they are glad 2015 is over as well. I'm right there with ya, peeps!

About a month ago, a word came to me. I've prayed over this word many times and there is no doubt in my mind that 2016 will be a year of growth. My word for 2016 is "Acceptance". The verse that sticks out the most to me to go with my word is Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) "Listen to advice & accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." For those who speak truth into my life, my mentors, family, and friends, I will listen carefully & intentionally. And I thank you in advance for helping me become a better person each day. I am open to new adventures as I explore new depths.

I'm excited to see what opportunities are placed in front of me. New adventures, new knowledge, and new perspectives. But mostly, I'm excited to see what God is trying to reveal to me about His purpose for my life. My specific prayer is that the blinders will come off and that my heart will be touched...my heart and others' hearts will be moved by God's greatness.

And in the end, we will praise Him in all that we do.

Behind The Mask

I believe everyone wears a mask. Some have a few masks, others have several that change every few minutes. But my question is why wear a mask? Rejection sucks but I’d rather someone fall in love with who I really am than to hide my true self from them just to have them hate me later on in life (this goes for friendships to romantic relationships).

 

 

Our world is full of insecurities. And I believe this is why there are so many masks in our world. I have my insecurities and I hide sometimes so I’m not condoning or calling anyone out. I’m just saying I’m human like you. I get it. It’s easier to hide than to show your true self when you know you’ll be judged, hated, rejected, or frowned upon.

I want to challenge everyone to be brave and let your true self shine. Don’t hide behind the masks of sarcasm, cockiness, or whatever mask you are holding in your hands right now. If you honestly think that others will not like the true you then you probably don’t like your true self or you’re looking at the wrong kinds of friendships/relationships. Love yourself. Work on you.

Believe me, this is something that I’ve worked on for most of my life. I know that I’ve still got areas that I am improving but there is always room for improvement everywhere. The mask I tend to wear is one of a smile when I am hurting. I tend to care for others before myself and I’ve gotten lost in it many times before. But I’ve learned that to care for others, we must first care for ourselves so that we can give to others better. It wasn’t an easy lesson but if I want to be my best, I have to focus on myself and get to where I can give my best.

“Exposing your dark side doesn’t frighten me, hiding it does.”- Author Unknown

When it comes to relationships, I’ve learned a great deal about communication. Ask questions. Get clarification. Don’t hide anything from the person whom you say “I love you” to every day. This person should never see a mask on you. If you have to sneak to do it or lie to cover it up, then you shouldn’t be doing it....and this goes for dating or married. Don’t mask anything. Don’t lead people to believe something that isn’t true.

Drop your mask. Be yourself. Let others love you for who you truly are. I'd rather know the real you.