In part 1, I looked at some things that can ensure that you are living large. In part 2, I want to continue with that train of thought.
Be yourself: The best gift you can give to the world is being you. Many people are living fake lives. So, the people around them do not know who they really are. Be yourself because no one else is better qualified. 19th-century author and poet, Oscar Wilde said it better: “be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” You will always fall short if you want to be somebody else.
You will always remain unhappy and feel inadequate if you are not yourself. It will be easier to accept and love yourself, as well as make positive changes if you are yourself. Remember, “to be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” advised Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American lecturer, and poet. Please understand that God created you to be like Him. To properly be like Him, you’ve got to be you so that He can reflect Himself through you. If you refuse to be yourself, you cannot walk in your glory.
Learn to give: One amazing discovery about life is that everyone, everywhere has something to give. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that. You can give a gift of a smile. You can listen to what others have to say. You can also give the gift of understanding, when you intentionally see other’s perspective; although, you might not necessarily agree with their point of view. You can give the gift of your time to care for someone. You can give the gift of encouragement by speaking kind words to people around you. You can give the gift of discipline and correct people as needed because Proverbs 27: 5 advised that “a spoken reprimand is better than approval that’s never expressed.” You can also give to people the gift of speaking the truth in love. You can give people money. Or better still, you can teach people how to fish and not only give them the fish to eat. In other words, you can help people stand on their feet so that they do not have to depend on you.
Enjoy yourself: Life is too short to be too serious all the time. You need to loosen up and just enjoy. To enjoy is to take delight or pleasure in an activity or occasion. Please understand that “the best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it” said Richard Bach, an American Novelist. Sometimes, you just need to make the decision to take delight in the things around you and the things you do. Decide to enjoy the beauty in everything and everyone. Have you noticed that those who take time to enjoy, will not have time to complain about things? Enjoy your family, life, nature, time and music. Savor the moment. Kenneth Branagh, an Irish actor says “Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things.”
Resolve conflict on time: It takes two to tango. You cannot live large by being in conflict with everyone or hold on to a grudge . Some people are just angry every moment of the day. Someone somehow is always offending them. Conflict is part of human existence but it should not be the only memory we have with people. Take care of your attitude and deal with things. Let love helps you to cover a multitude of offense.
You need to resolve conflict on time and move on. I agree with William James American Philosopher when he said “Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.”
Have Self-control: Do not dispense unnecessary energy on non-issues. You need to learn to pick your battles intelligently. Some people cannot put their emotions in check, they just go wild all the time. Remember, you are not your emotions. You can, therefore, control those negative emotions towards yourself and others. You can delay gratification. You have to learn to manage yourself by being a responder and not a reactor.
Have self-compassion: To be able to do this, you need to be kind to yourself just as you would to others. If you do not like to put people down; then, do not put yourself down. You have to learn to treat yourself the way you want others to treat you. Be nice to yourself. Be gentle with yourself.
What can you say to yourself today to lift yourself up? Please understand that you are not alone in your struggles, someone, somewhere, somewhat might also be going through some struggles as you. Also, remember that you are not a bad person, but a good person who has chosen to do bad things. The easiest way to be compassionate towards yourself is to embrace the love of God. God said about Himself that He is a compassionate and merciful Father. He will help you to be compassionate to yourself.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the experience of living large this month.
- Call to action:
Find at least one thing you can do today to enjoy yourself. Once you find it, do it and do it all over again.