It’s funny how many times I have a quick thought that inspires or challenges me when looking at something, particularly something in nature. We moved into this house about 6 months ago, in the heat of summer. There was one plant in the flower bed that was unfamiliar to me and I wondered why a generic looking plant was planted in such a prominent spot of the landscaping. I though it was dying in the frosts this winter and I again found myself curious as to why someone would plant a simple green leafed plant. Well, we’re heading into 
spring now and I see why this plant is located in such a nice, sunny spot of the garden.
I was so surprised when about 2 weeks after the last frost a beautiful white bloom appeared on this seemingly simple and ordinary plant. Something struck me though, why did this flower face downward? I thought it would surely turn upward but it has not. That’s when my mind started wandering from plants to people.
I was reminded of how many people bloom with ability but keep those talents and abilities downward a bit, without making those talents visible for all to enjoy. This might be you. Maybe someone has told you, either with word or deed, that your abilities are too limited, not good enough, or are just not going to be appreciated by anyone. Maybe you decided this on your own through the lens of a personality that tends to interpret life through a somewhat negative lens. It could be that you are simply afraid to show what you have to offer. Sometimes we fail to do things like following a dream or showing a talent because we do not trust ourselves to adequately handle the potential failure to be noticed or the potential rejection if we are noticed. Maybe we aren’t sure how to deal with someone liking and appreciating what we reveal.
No matter the “maybe” of the situation it is time to STAND UP STRAIGHT and give it a try. Let’s start with something simple and we’ll work our way to revealing what we think we might have to share with the world. I challenge you to take a week and present yourself to your world with confidence and see what happens. You don’t have to feel confident, you just have to behave with confidence in your presentation. Here’s how it goes:
- Walk with your head up, shoulders back, and a confident stride.
- Speak aloud and with strength in your voice. Avoid the breathy, high pitched, low volume speech.
- Look people straight in the eyes (not for too long because you don’t want to creep people out or make them suspicious – lol).
- Answer people in full sentences, whether in text, email, or voice.
- Find someone to whom you can say, “no, but I appreciate you thinking of me.” DO NOT give an excuse as to why you are saying “no” to the request, invitation, etc.
- Make sure you lighten the muscles in your face and smile frequently.
- Make note of how you feel at the end of each day and notice how others respond to this approach. Some might be a little surprised if this is very unusual for you.
A Chosen Life 