Just You

Life has its way of catapulting you into what your calling is. Situations arise, and the choices we make play a major role in determining where we’re headed. My life lately has been a rollercoaster. I’m in the middle of ending something that, honestly, I thought wouldn’t end—at least not like this. My children are growing up before my eyes, and what it’s felt like is that I’ve been left with just me. At first, I didn’t know what to do with that; I didn’t know what to do with me. But then I realized it was my time—my “me time”—to find myself for the first time. I had never given myself a chance. I didn’t even know I needed that. For almost 30 years, my life has been about others.

When I realized I had to get to know myself on all levels, it was eye-opening. I had to take the time to understand myself and like whoever that was, before I cared about who didn’t. I started by taking accountability for where my life was in that moment—which was hard—and I asked myself, “Could my life be different if I had made different choices?” The answer was yes. I had to identify, address, and modify my behavior. In the past, I didn’t know how to do that, but I’m so grateful that God brought it to the forefront of my mind and showed me that’s where everything starts. I had to change the way I thought to reach the destination I dreamed of.

I’m not mad at where I am. I just know I have to get through me to reach my destiny, and out of everything I’ve encountered in my life, I know this will be the most challenging—and also the most rewarding—step I’ve ever taken.

And if you find yourself in a season where, after years of your life being about others, it suddenly becomes just you—it may not be as bad as you think. It can be rewarding, fulfilling, and transforming. It’s all about the way you perceive it and what you choose to do with that realization. Just remember: you haven’t lost or wasted anything. You’re right on time. But moving forward, we must redeem our time. And for me, that means using my time wisely and making the most of every opportunity. I’m not just talking about transformation—I’m right in the middle of it. I know this to be true because I’m living in my dream now.

   -Toniray

                                                                                                        


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