Stand in who you are!

Today is the first day of my blog, my website went live and I am excited. On a more personal note, today is also my mom's birthday, she made her transition in 2000. 

I am mindful today of my mom's strength, perseverance and determination to be the best mom possible. As a young mother, she made the decision that she wanted more out of life. In her twenties, she left a small town in South Carolina with a tenth-grade education and four young children. She left behind a husband, family - her support system, to have a better life. As I think of her journey today, I realize how strong and powerful she was, to be able to start a new life in a big city with four children. Although I can't even imagine what went through her mind as she was making the decision to leave, she had to believe in herself and took a stand for what she wanted for herself and her children. 

I share this story with you today to honor my mom but also for you to realize, that although it may be difficult, tapping into the essence of self can be very powerful, freeing and rewarding. Although it takes some work to get to this point, and  it is ongoing, it is not an easy process. As a matter of fact, it can be very emotional and in some cases disruptive. But at the end of the day, you are positioned to be your most powerful self. It means that you have acknowledged your weaknesses, identified your strengths and gained a greater understanding of what triggers your behavior. Most importantly, you have begun to identify and tap into your emotions, fears, and what drives you. This is the most difficult part, recognizing your fears and  in some cases, they are buried so deep that you don't even realize it. On the other hand, this is the most freeing aspect of the process. Once you recognize your fears, deal with the causes and let go of the pain, you are free. There is nothing that can hold you back. 

As I honor my mom's birthday today, I am grateful that she was able to stand and believe in herself. This is the most precious gift that anyone can give themselves. Don't let others define who you are, acknowledge and embrace every aspect of self, stand in who you are!

Please join me in wishing Mrs. Georgia Mae Kennedy a happy birthday!

Thank you.