Just recently I was almost jaded by a condescending attitude from someone who wanted me to feel insignificant in their eyes. In conversing with the person, every word was chosen to make sure I felt belittled and unimportant.
Notice the word here is ALMOST. Prior to this conversation, I sat in the presence of someone whose praise and exhortation of my efforts held more weight than the status of the person who berated me on the phone.
The situation was laughable. You know the kind of grunted laughter that erupts from a place of disbelief, and shock? Well, I held the phone in my hand, and I thought to myself, "You don't know who you are talking to. The day will come when you will feel honored to be in my circle of influence."
WHAT AM I SAYING? Simply that the reinforcement from my reservoir of purpose gurgled up to the surface before I could allow hostility and dominance to stagnate the flow of possibility in my life. Yes, it caught me off guard, yes it almost shifted my focus, yes I almost felt jaded, but the reality of where I am headed is greater than my now. My now, is momentary and is constantly shifting and moving me forward to my place of possibility.
Do you know that while I was almost jaded, I wanted to prove myself? Make a point. Help them see the error of their ways and let them redraw their former conclusion. However, I gave up vengeance a long time ago; it doesn’t even belong to me, and guess what...the point was moot. I have nothing to prove; besides I’m not even living in the fulfillment of my destiny yet. I’m on the path, but I’m not there, so there is nothing to prove to anyone but myself. I owe it to myself to stay focused.
The reality is that everyone will not celebrate you while you are on the course to where you are supposed to be, but don’t forget to surround yourself with the people whose presence matter. For me that person is my husband - my biggest fan and coach.
Be mindful to surround yourself with those who will support, encourage and help you, but most importantly those who you are assigned to support, encourage and help. After all, what is greatness if it is not used to bless others? Accolades will not always be rolled out like a red carpet, and every now and again, having a little condescension sprinkled on you is healthy as well. It will help you to gauge whether or not your focus is crystal clear or a little smeared. I learned this little lesson last week, and I smiled because it showed me that I am on the right path to my possibility, and I must say that I am enjoying the trip. I hope you are too.
©2009 Carmen A. Gray - All Rights Reserved.