GROWTH.

Today (August 15, 2021), my Pastor preached about “Do No Harm”. In his message he spoke about doing right by everyone, even those that hurt us; easier said than done, right? Right! But, to truly GROW and love as God loves ALL OF US, you have to be able to put aside differences, grudges, hate and some of that pettiness we all love to have (me included) to GROW.

Check this out, think about a situation, person, place or thing that you may have said “I will never…” (fill in the blank). Now think about that same sentence and ask yourself, “did I, and what was the positive outcome”?

I will start since some of us have some uber-stubborn ways *clears throat, and look at some of you*. In my days of being really petty (leave me alone, God still working with me LOL), I remember quite a few situations where I said I would never have a friendship with someone or if I was in that situation I would leave them, it, that (whatever) alone. As I look back at some of those same situations, that same person I would never be friends with I solicit occasional business feedback from, that same situation that I said I would leave; I stayed and worked it out and things ended up being better. Don’t get me wrong, I did not wake up and say today is the day I am going to communicate with so-n-so or I am going to work through this situation. It took a whole lot of prayer! I continued to be put in situations where my paths continued to cross with certain people. The more I interacted with them the more I realized that I “liked” them and my once immature way of thinking grew into seeing past what they may have been then and looking at who they are today. I hope that made sense.

That situation that the then me would see and say, “oh if that was me, I would blah blah blah” hit a major growth spurt. I grew into a person that self-analyzes first before reacting. Process my thoughts and allow myself to feel whatever emotion that presented itself at the time. In short, I gave myself permission to be human and go through the process. Then once I understood the role I played and how whatever the situation was made me feel, it was then I would weigh both views to stay or leave. Talk about a long process, but this process works for ME. Before I would react instantly, I grew to learn that everything is not a “911” situation or everything does not warrant a response.

*Disclaimer – situations vary and growth can be identified through relationships, career decisions, self-reflection, etc. - just my opinion *

One of my biggest AH-HA moments that made me realize I have truly grown a little bit (LOL) is when I dropped this blog. I was waiting on perfect, wondering what you all would think, would you share it, would you like it, who will SUPPORT it, and will I SUCCEED. Well baby, let me tell you!! When the nudge came from God to say somebody needs to hear some of your testimonies or experience some of your love and support, I had to listen. I heard God loud and clear “that blog I have been laying on your heart for so long…this is the year to let it go, this is the month to prepare, this is the day to LAUNCH.THAT. BLOG”. Being obedient, I launched an imperfect blog. What I am about to say, I say it with the upmost respect and humbleness. I did and do these things for ME. I don’t care if that friend or the person you may just be friendly with chooses not to share it, subscribes to it, follows it, etc. I didn’t do it for anyone but myself. Oh, and the question of “will I succeed” became the statement of “when I succeed”.

GROWTH shows up differently for everyone.

Growth is not something you wake up and have. You have to cultivate that growth mindset; it starts within. If you want to be better, do better. If you want to see something different, set the example for the result you are trying to receive. Stop holding that grudge. Stop that negative self-talk. Stop the tit for tat mindset. Instead, get to know that person that you may not “fool” with because of some past mess or because of something you heard from someone that has not grown (amen somebody). Your growth can be spiritual or emotional. Your growth can be the catalyst that propels you to a better version of yourself. Growth can also give you the ability to extend GRACE (blog on “grace” coming soon”) to other imperfect people in this imperfect world.

With all this being said, do not be afraid to become uncomfortable and GROW…it is never too late and there is always growing to be done. That is the beauty sometimes in living.

Just be you, talk soon~

Kesha La’Sara