They Helped You To Grow

If you're reading this I am sure you have probably been in all kinds of situations with all sorts of people. My favorite situations have been when I've encountered people who turn out to be the best to hang around, and are truly inspirational (Huge, huge shout out to my DanceTheYard, SideYard peeps! Y'all are a blessing!!). I'm sure you have had those experiences. On the other hand, I have been in those situations where I have had to interact with people who may not have been the most pleasing to my soul, lol! (C'mon y'all, we can be real here). Both groups of people lend themselves to teaching me, even if unbeknownst to them, valuable life lessons. However, the most undesirable situations, have not only taught me the best lessons but have set me on the path to becoming my best self.
Discomfort and undesirable can be painful but it's the only way you can grow.

Think about something for a second: when was the last time you did something well, or something went well for you? How did it make you feel? I'll share a personal thought. In 2014 I had a "sit down" with living legend and historic ballerina, Raven Wilkinson. I could not believe how effortless this came about and that it was actually happening. After that moment I took inventory of how I felt after leaving her. I was a bit more inspired, encouraged, and felt that I had reached the height of my dreams and life experiences. Now, think of a time when you didn't do something so well. Have you been in a situation with a person or people that made you want to pull your hair out? I've got a secret to tell. You only became frustrated, irritated, or felt like you couldn't catch a break in the situation because it was stretching you. You grew from that!

When interacting in tough situations or with "tough" people, it's actually the situation that, not the person that is challenging you. There's a scripture in the bible that tell us that "we [do not] wrestle against flesh and blood (people)... but against powers (spirits)..." That lets me know that I can, with God's help, learn to separate the person from the interaction. Of course there are some people we just cannot afford to be around, for many reasons, but ask God for help to differentiate. The next time you find yourself in an "oh Lord, this is way too much" situation, take inventory of how you feel and ask yourself "What could this be teaching me?". I had many of those thoughts this Summer. Man, it was really tough and some days were better than others but my discomfort grew me tremendously.

As you go throughout this week, whether you experience an inspiring situation with amazing people or a tough situation with people who seem to be less desirable, always remember that while the "feel good" situations keep you going, they aren't the cap for how far you're going in life or how much you will learn. It is in the discomfort that you will gain fresh perspectives, new skills, polished attitudes, endless inspiration and the tools to set you on that path to becoming your best self. Try looking at interactions with people (from either end) from a growth perspective. Favorable is great but the undesirable brings growth!