Blessings

 "Nothing that is meant for you will miss you." 

I'm blessed to have become a member of a fantastic group of leadership-focused, uplifting and supportive women this year. What started as a paid initiative to learn and strengthen leadership skills (we are in fact doing these things), became the group of ladies that I didn't know I needed in my life. However, I like to believe that God brought us together for a reason. Each of us are on our own career journeys and are in different stages of our lives, but the life lessons, encouragement and blessings that each of these ladies have brought into my life are things that I will carry with me forever. 

Was I searching for this learning opportunity? No. In fact, it was recommended to me only after another colleague couldn't pursue it. Do I feel like I was placed in this group for a reason? Yes. 

The above phrase is something that was shared in our last session and it hit me right in the feels. How often do we spend our time working toward goals, praying for change or climbing those silent mountains? How often do we question the decisions we make or spend time wondering why something didn't work out (only for it to fall into place later)? I can't tell you how much of my life that I spend doing those exact things. And more often than not, I do so silently. This group has given me the courage and confidence to speak out. Knowing that I'm not alone (or crazy in some instances) has become a powerful force in my life. It's a force that I didn't know I needed, but was clearly meant for me at this current chapter of my life. 

As I continue to set and work toward personal and professional goals, I have to realize that things take time. When things don't work out in my favor, it's more than likely for a very good reason. When something wonderful happens, I need to stop and take those moments in rather than rushing on to the next item on my list. When I fail at something? There's always a lesson and typically another opportunity in the distance. When invited to something that I feel may negatively affect my mental health, I need to say no (without apology or excuses). I've realized that I simply cannot control every single aspect of my personal and professional lives. And that is okay! I have to stop being so gosh darn hard on myself. 

I will admit, my relationship with God is something that I've struggled with for my entire life. Growing up, I'd hear so many talk about being saved by our Lord and I always wondered if there was something wrong with me. I never felt like He noticed me, spoke to me or saved me. However, it is through recent experiences that I've felt His presence in my life more than ever before. There are so many moments, small occurrences and experiences that have stopped me in my tracks throughout my life. Were these an indication of His plan for me? I'm not really sure, but I like to take comfort in the thought. 

For example, recently I was having a very mentally taxing day. I felt sad. I felt defeated. All of sudden....ding! One of ladies in our group sent me words of encouragement and a gift card for coffee. Those powerful thoughts that push me outside of my comfort zone and lead me to action steps....coincidence? Does He speak through the people in my life at times? I like to think so! 

I'm sharing all of this in hopes that it will put your mind at ease. Every single one of us fights a different battle. Every single one of us has different aspirations. Every single one of us has potential. Keep going. Keep climbing. Breathe.