A Meaningful You

I wish when people said stuff, they meant it.

That statement is very plain to have so much meaning. Perhaps I should explain what I mean a little more thoroughly.

I don't exactly mean that people shouldn't lie. People lie all the time. Maybe not even on purpose, but it happens nonetheless. With specific regards to lying and my statement, I wish that people didn't tell hurtful lies. Things like "I love you," "I'll never give up on you," "You're worthless," etcetera. Those lies can drastically change lives. They either falsely build someone up, or tragically tear someone down. As far as the first two go, they aren't always lies. But if you don't really mean it, then you shouldn't ever say it. Actually, it is even possible to tell a hurtful truth nicely. My mother is incredibly gifted at that. Instead of saying something like "That dress makes you look like a beached whale." She will come up with something like "Try this! It is much more flattering." She is consistently proving to me that it is possible to say anything nicely.

Part of what I mean when I make this statement is what people do. Actions speak louder than words. For example, a father who tells his son not to drink alcohol, but is an alcoholic himself. No one respects a hypocrite, so why would anyone want to be one? Yet, there are far too many hypocrites in this world. People are consistently inconsistent with their actions. Multiple people in my life have said meaningful words and followed them with meaningless actions. I try never to follow their example. I try to never make promises I can't keep, and I encourage my readers to do the same.

I also mean that people should be the same in any and all circumstances. Personality shouldn't change when the group changes. One should always act the same. At work, at church, at home, at school. Everywhere people go, they should retain their perspective personality. If a person is not the same at school as they are at church, then they are "saying" something they don't mean. They are presenting a person at one or both of those places that doesn't exist. My advice? God created you for a purpose. If you change  who you are depending on your company, then you are not fulfilling His purpose for you. He only needs one of you, so that makes you pretty special. Troubles and all.

The norm these days is to be inconsistent. People almost demand that you change your ways to "fit in" with your crowd. Society has set the example of fluctuating personalities, depending on your circumstances or situation. Like puppets, people follow these rules and norms. In the end, they become a mixture of people that don't really exist. It must be hard to keep up with all of those people! My question for you is simple. Why would you want to be this way?  Why would you desire a life filled with things you don't mean and people that don't really exist? It will destroy you and God's purpose for your life.

If people would only say what they mean, both by words and by actions, this world would be much less confusing. I encourage all of you to be who you are, no matter who appreciates it. I want you all to stand for something so that you don't fall for everything. Don't let the world be the puppet-master of your life. Take what control you have, and be what you mean to be. Find you, and be you.

A Note of Thanksgiving for My Mentors

Throughout my life I have had many people to teach me different things. All together, these people have taught me how to be myself. They have given me traits such as respect, humility, mercy, loyalty and kindness. I would like to take a few moments to thank these people for their time and influence, because without them I would be totally different.

My parents are one of the biggest influences I'll ever have. If I had to select only two people that have helped me find myself, it would be them.

My mother is absolutely amazing. She has grace and compassion, things I have adopted by way of  respect for her. I want to be like her and I hope to adopt her beautiful personality as I grow. She has taught me how to keep the peace, how to set an example and how to worship God. I watch her everyday as she puts others before herself, especially her family. I witness her witness as she leads people in my community. I'm exposed to her gentleness in dealing with everyone, patience is definitely hard to come by! If I ever have a problem, I know I can trust her with it. She is loyal to me always, and not many people are. She gives me the best advice because she knows me best. Specifically dealing with Diabetes, my mother at first took care of me completely. She taught me later on how to be responsible with it so that I can take care of myself. I am so grateful for her and all she does for me. If it weren't for her and some other people, I wouldn't be alive today.

I owe my work ethic, respectfulness and blunt honesty to my father. He has instilled in me these things by his example, and I will be forever grateful. He and my Mother have taught me to work hard for everything, and it has paid off so far. He has always done whatever he had to in order to provide for his family. He has taught me to respect others, even if I don't believe they deserve it. He has always spoken honestly, rather than simply telling people what they want to hear. Because of that example, I speak the same way and I hate being lied to. I am also less graceful than my mother with my words sometimes. She has a way of always saying something kindly, and I have adopted Dad's straight-to-the-point style of speaking. I adore my father, and I'm so blessed to have him in my life.

Another person that deserves credit for who I am (and who I want to be) is my little sister. I would do anything for her, just to make her happy. God has blessed me with her in more ways than I can even retell here. She has given me a forever friendship that many people never have the privilege to experience. She saves my life daily, by supporting, encouraging and sometimes correcting me. She has taught me to always be brave, especially when you're in trouble. She's taught me compassion and loyalty because of how she deals with me. I know that I can always count on her to have my back and that alone is a blessing. I can't imagine my life without her, and I thank God that she was in His plan for me.

My best friends have influenced my personality as well. They have taught me how to be loyal to people outside of family, how to be a tolerent Christian and how to share my witness. I don't have many people that I can trust, so having loyal friends is a blessing. It has made me want to be loyal so that I never hurt people the way I've been hurt. The people that always have my back are very precious to me, and I would never want to hurt them. They have helped me to have tolerance for the people around me, especially Emily and my little sister, Autumn. When I know that there are people that agree with me on things, it somehow makes it easier to ignore the people who challenge me (especially about my faith). These few people have also been a great witness to me, which in turn helps me to be a better witness. My best friend has taught me about forgiveness, both towards others and towards myself. He has saved me in more ways than one. I imagine my life would be very different without him.

I have had teachers and coaches that have shown me responsibility, creativity, and other things. A certain mentor once told me something I repeat often for comfort: "Give it up (to God), and let it go." That has gotten me through many stressful times. One of my mentors brought out the actor in me and showed me how much I loved performing. My public speaking teacher let me realize how much I enjoy speaking to crowds, which in a way has helped me to be myself more. I once had a supervisor that taught me how to be kind and gentle, even when people do not deserve it.

All of these people have shaped my world, my life and my personality. They have taught me about myself and the person I want to be. They have truly been a blessing to me, and I am thankful for every one of them.