“You cannot get sick enough to help sick people get better. You cannot get poor enough to help poor people thrive. It is only in your thriving that you have anything to offer anyone. If you’re wanting to be of an advantage to others, be as tapped in, turned in, turned on as you can possibly be.”
- Esther Abraham-Hicks
There’s a daily blog I check out a few times a week called THE DAILY LOVE. After reading Esther Abraham-Hicks’ quote (above) this morning, I wanted to share a few of my own thoughts on success.
I’m a big believer in the thinking: “it’s the journey not the destination”, “be present, it’s your greatest gift” and “serve and the rest will come”. As creative director of women’s clothing lines, a TV personality and body image advocate for network television, modeling again, and lecture on women’s centric issues, my life’s work is deeply satisfying and am honored to work within social reform for women. However, although thoroughly rewarding, complete with personal success, I am not immune to the many opportunities for growth. We’re never given one with out the other. Don’t let anyone fool you about that…no one’s grass is ever greener.
When do we grow? While we’re sipping a perfectly frothy rum coconut drink under the shade of a swaying palm tree while balmy breezes tickles our faces and our toes play in the sand? No, not me. I’ve learned most when life gets turned upside down.
As long as I’ve hung in there and got to the other side, I’ve learned the highs and lows are all there to teach me what I’ve come to learn. As difficult as it is to admit, I know that deep down, it’s true.
So do yourself a favor, the next time life’s producing gold for you, don’t waste time feeling guilty or shameful. It’s your turn! When ease and grace knock at your door, embrace and soak it all in, honor your break from hardship and give guilt and shame (what I call Success Shame) the boot! (while you’re at it, address any toxic relationships that project jealousy onto your success via shame and guilt. Think of it as a good emotional house cleaning.)
Stay focused and dig down, count your blessings, stay humble and continue to serve. Above all help those you love to get back on their horse without trying to do it for them! Fuel up and get your personal/professional/financial/physical life in order. Once you’re prepared, you’re next soul searching journey might be less harsh or assaulting, then even less so till you arrive at a nice balance between feast and famine.
Final word: The greatest service you can give those around you is to keep succeeding and continue shedding light on hope and faith. That that better is on it’s way and above all, never to give up. Let friends and family say, “If it’s working for him/her then it must work for “me”!
There’s nothing more empowering than being a good example in one’s rising from the ashes!
FEB
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