All this year, I’ve been on a quest to really figure out what I want to do with my life. I always had an idea, but I hadn’t really been able to pinpoint how to incorporate it into my career. You see, I’m a person with many, many interests and talents…and it’s hard to just focus on each one, one at a time. Perhaps I secretly believe I’m superwoman, because I somehow want to do it all. Everything I’m setting out to do is extremely positive. I love helping other people, I really, really do. And, I love learning…I’m a true geek, seriously. I know I haven’t totally shared with everyone what all these things are I’m getting ready to embark on…but, it’s awesome, trust me…;-)
But, I realized that as soon as I figured out what I wanted to do, and actually started making steps towards accomplishing my goal….haters have been coming out of the woodwork!! And, it’s been really hard to deal with…to the point where I was really considering throwing in the towel and forgetting it all together. I’ve had people forming and spreading ridiculous rumors about me, and I’ve had self-righteous, overly opinionated religious people relentlessly giving me their unsolicited opinions about me and my goals. All of these attacks have been totally unfounded. None of the people know me, nor do they know my personal relationship with God.
Long story short, I’m writing this post to encourage all of you out there that are trying to work toward your dreams. DON’T GIVE UP!! Sometimes, right when you’re about to come upon something great…you’re tested. Your tested to see if you REALLY believe that your steps are ordered. Do you really believe that God is guiding you? Do you really believe that what’s been placed in your heart is real? Or will you succumb to the naysayers…will you succumb to those that will judge you unfairly…will you succumb to those that don’t believe in you. You’re being tested…will you believe in YOU, or will you believe in THEM?
It’s hard…really, because I wanted to doubt everything. But, I quickly turned to those who support me…my team of ME. I love God, I love my friends and I love my family. They helped to remind me of who I am, and helped me to recenter myself. I’m back, and I’m stronger than ever. So, don’t give up…lean on your support system, and you’ll make it through whatever test comes your way.
And for all those that have experienced this…please leave some advice in the comment section! How do you deal with the negatively while walking down the road less traveled???
06/24/2009 at 1:12 pm
I’m so glad you didn’t throw in the towel after putting so much time, hard work, & money into coming to this decision! What you’re planning on doing in the next few years is your spark – & anyone that wants to put it out is a big bully. I’m so glad that you’re focusing on the people who count – the ones that believe in you & support you. They (& I!) know that you can & will climb these mountains, Tiko!
I hate to say it, but I deal with the negativity by putting the people that come with it out of my line of vision. I can honestly say that I don’t have a single person in my circle that wants to bring me down (or at least doesn’t to my face!). Having such positive reinforcement is key in doing The Hard Stuff – keep doing what you’re doing & you’ll find the haters drifting away…
06/24/2009 at 2:48 pm
Thanks Michelle!! You’re the best!
06/24/2009 at 4:34 pm
Tiko,
I think the key is, as you mentioned, to continue and to believe! Whenever people don’t believe, I make it my quest to show them another way (some may call this proving them wrong)
. But for me, it’s about starting and continuing to improve our global community and to empower others by creating a path that they too can travel. Keep pushing! You are on a journey that will touch many and I’m proud of you.
06/24/2009 at 4:51 pm
Thanks for the encouraging words!
06/28/2009 at 12:11 am
Tiko, do you know how I found this blog? By Googling “peace joy love”, clicking the link to your old (very stylishly laid out, I might add) blog and finally clicking the link to this new blog.
The reason I asked is because it occurred to me some time ago that peace, joy and love are what all of us truly desire. Interestingly enough, in the Bible we read about The Prince of PEACE (Jesus), the JOY of the Holy Ghost and that God is LOVE.
You state: “I realized that as soon as I figured out what I wanted to do, and actually started making steps towards accomplishing my goal….haters have been coming out of the woodwork!!” Rest assured, this is normal and happens to everyone. It is simply the TESTING phase.
Your blog is wonderfully inspirational. Thank you and Bless you.
From a Bajan in Barbados – where Rihanna’a from!
06/28/2009 at 4:50 am
Wow…well, I’m so glad you found my blog and really enjoyed it. You are very encouraging! Thank you so much for the kind words. How’s the weather in Barbados?
06/28/2009 at 7:46 am
Well, except for the haze (fine dust coming all the way across the Atlantic from the Sahel region of Africa) that we’ve been experiencing over the last few days, the weather has been quite lovely: Lots of sunshine and fresh breezes with occasional showers. Pretty typical for this time of year.
You know, had I read your post in its entirety or even just looked at its title before rushing to contribute my 2 cents worth, I would’ve seen that you had already known that you were being tested. Oh well, c’est la vie.
For some reason, lately I’ve been Googling “The Secret” (I had remembered watching an episode of Oprah – even though I’m a man
– on that very topic months ago) which led to my Googling “The Law of Attraction” and it seems that I may have been guided to your blog by that law! Perhaps.
To quote Johnny Nash: “There are more questions than answers and the more I find out the less I know…” The quintessential paradox.
Keep on truckin’, Sista!
08/03/2009 at 4:08 pm
hey tiko,
not even sure how i found my way to your corner of the web, but this post was exactly what i needed to read at exactly the right time.
i think positive energy takes people further in life than they imagine… and not just having positive energy, but actually believing in that energy and having faith in letting that energy work through you.
i too am a multi-talented person, and often have trouble with focusing on just one thing. and from that experience, i’ve learned that i can accomplish all of these things if i’m patient and use my time wisely.
honestly, i use others’ negativity to my advantage; most people use negative words/actions to bring you down. the flip side of that is sometimes negativity presents an opposing view of things you may have never considered and in a sense prepares you even more for using your positive energy to accomplish your goals.
good blog, take care. j’c’
08/04/2009 at 11:08 am
Thanks for reading and thanks for the wonderful comment. I’m glad you found this post at just the right time, and I’m glad it was what you needed. I’ve been contemplating not blogging anymore, but your comment has encouraged me to keept going…thanks!
12/15/2009 at 7:02 am
i just ran across your site and iam at the same stage and been here many times before.
from reading books about sucessful men and even in the bible(joesph’s dream took years of going the opposite way first,moses was rejected by pharogh in begining)the very thing that they were good at or ordained by god to do…at first didnt look like it was going to work.
lets pray for the energy to say like jesus,it is finished. he seen his mission through!
12/15/2009 at 11:54 am
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, let’s call it finished and see our missions through!