Learn to Dance in the Rain

What are some causes that you passionately advocate for? Are you fighting for gender equality, fair wages, or respect in your personal and professional relationships? Do you strive to make your voice heard and contribute meaningfully to important conversations?

Love serves as the cornerstone of existence and is undeniably the most significant pursuit. Whether it’s your love for your profession, family, friends, or fellow beings, love is the force behind it all. Even self-love encompasses a multitude of aspects. Ultimately, love is a cause worth fighting for. Are you actively advocating for love in your life today? I wholeheartedly urge you to do so.

I understand that the concept of unbelief can be quite complex and emotional.

It’s not always easy to simply believe what is right in front of you. We often have preconceived notions that can cloud our judgment and make us want something to be a certain way. This can make it difficult to accept a different reality.

It’s true that taking everything at face value might seem like a good approach, but in a world of deception and dishonesty, it’s essential to think critically and look beyond the surface. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate through situations where things aren’t as they initially seem.

For example, if someone owes you money and you’ve been let down multiple times, it’s natural to feel anxious and untrusting. When you finally receive the payment, it’s easy to accept it at face value. However, it’s important to take the time to investigate (or count the money), just as you would in life. This way, you can avoid being let down and hurt in the future.

I appreciate that life is full of complexities, and it’s not always easy to navigate through them alone. It’s okay to seek guidance and support from others. Sometimes others can offer a nonbiased perspective that will open your mind to a different way of thinking.

Do you need to remove your shades or do you simply need to open your eyes to certain things? Maybe you need to open your eyes to the beauty that is around you. But maybe you need to open your eyes to how someone may be treating you. Maybe you need to take the glasses aka blinders off. I think sometimes we choose to keep our eyes hidden for fear that we will see something that we suspected all along. A natural trauma response to avoid dealing with certain things is to simply act as though it doesn’t exist. If it doesn’t exist, it won’t be real and maybe the pain won’t be there. In order to get past the pain, sometimes we need to take the blinders off and face reality. Facing our situations head on, although likely uncomfortable, will allow us to move on past the trauma or thing you are hiding from. What do you need to open your eyes to today?

Ride the waves of uncertainty and change. The only thing certain in life is that there will be changes. Changes in something as simple as the weather and as drastic as divorce, death, or job loss. If we can learn to “ride the waves” during those uncertain times, we can grow from those moments when the tides rise over our heads. Use the moments when the low tides come in to catch your breath. Take each wave as it comes to you and go with it. Don’t let it engulf you or push you to the floor of the ocean. Rise above your circumstances and ride the waves!

Irrespective of the circumstances, I opt for joy. Life can be tough, and at times, the burden of our situation feels overwhelming. Yet, even when circumstances are beyond our control, I find solace in knowing Who is in control.

Joy does not mean the absence of difficulties, it is a decision. A decision to have faith, to keep a smile even in rough times, and to appreciate the little things.

Thus, today, regardless of what challenges I face, I remind myself: I will choose joy, because my heart is anchored in the One who sustains everything.

What’s one small thing you can do today to embrace joy, even in the midst of uncertainty?

I talk a lot about learning that my vulnerability is a super power over the past five years. One thing I still get hung up on is when/how to be vulnerable at work.

According to Culture Works HR, 60% of Americans struggle to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Quora says that vulnerability is natural and should be embedded within any company’s culture. “It creates trust and promotes acceptance and empathy when giving and receiving feedback. It also helps with effective problem solving and decision making.”

According to Toner Buzz, 85% of companies that offer work-life balance programs report an increase in productivity, while 33% of employees with a good balance say they plan to stay longer in their current role.

The fear of making connections and being vulnerable can stem from various sources, such as past traumatic experiences, fear of rejection or abandonment, low self esteem, or a lack of trust in others. This is true whether in your personal or professional life.

So how can you change that?
-Focus on building self awareness;
-Practice active listening;
-Share your thoughts and feelings appropriately;

Do you have a difficult time being vulnerable? Try a few of these to help get you started.