Today, 12/14/22, I woke up with something that I have been thinking about for a minute, and feel I need to share it with viewers of my blogs.
I smile as I write this, as it has come to my realization that I have been like a bartender, or an Uber driver over the past 47 years of my life. I am always willing to listen to friends, family, inmates, and the teens I mentor who need to talk and need help to improve their lives. I have been that way my whole life. I stand by the advice I give and there is nothing that I can’t hear or listen to. There isn’t a problem I can’t solve, or give some positive guidance about when it’s needed. As a mentor and life coach, I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t get overwhelmed at times, as I’m human and can only do so much.
What has been on my mind is this. When we were all born, we were full of potential, and ready to start learning right away. But a lot of us grew up into multifaceted adults with no clear purpose of who we really are, and are not doing what we know we should be doing. Our personalities have changed, and adapted to that of our families, friends, mates, children, and surroundings. For example, if you’re in a relationship with an alcoholic, then consciously, or unconsciously you alter your personality to fit his/hers, depending on if they are drunk or not. You will alter your mindset and behavior for a workaholic, so their schedule is unaffected. If you have a partner who is lazy and always happy to wake up then flop down in the front of the TV all day, you will fight your natural reaction to scream and act a fool, and won’t say anything.
Now let’s flip this to where you are overflowing with enthusiasm for any, and everything you do, and have no fear whatsoever to try new things. You express your feelings, and give and receive unconditional love without any pretense. You attack all projects with a lot of effort. Now I want you to understand that we all were like that back in the day when we were toddlers. Inherently, we still have these personality characteristics.
So, the million-dollar question is… “What the hell happened?”
Well, parents, family, friends, neighbors, school, and pretty much everything that has ever been in your lives has affected you, or influenced you in one way or the other. That’s just how life is, but what I’m saying is start to listen to your inner voice and the inner toddler in you. Embrace what will really make you happy. Take small steps to improve your life, and get the life you want. Get out of your comfort zone, and stop wasting time.
Advocate / Mentor
Leonard E. Love