Admit the truth, even when it stings.

Little by little, I will reveal bits and pieces of myself. It isn't easy. I think we all have created a mask to shield our vulnerability. In no way should it be meant to be deceiving but rather a protective "wall"  to prevent an attack to our emotional spirit.

My everyday mask is one that represents strength, resilience, courage & wisdom. This is part of my make-up not by far the majority factor. Always pay attention when someone is speaking. They will tell you more about themselves either through how they speak, what words they choose to use in a sentence and believe it or it...their lies. I had the most random conversation with a woman in the supermarket while deciding on which tea to purchase that would help me sleep.
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The woman was younger than me & looked as if she had just gotten off from work. She recognized me from an ad in the OCBJ. I was shocked by it and flattered. She wanted to be in the field of work that I was in and asked me how I got to where I am today. She then followed her questions with the following statement "How can I be successful as you? I would kill to be in your shoes right now. You have no idea."

I tried to be brief but made sure I was detailed so that she understood what to do, the most important factors in anything that you choose to do is to be ambitious and put in the work that needs to be done, then add in that little extra to rise above the rest. The most important thing you have to remember is NOT to allow yourself to be so absorbed that you become a work-a-holic. The woman was so puzzled by my last statement that she had to ask me why on Earth would I ever say that.

At that moment, I felt the need to take my mask off and tell her the truth. "There is nothing wrong with hard work and dedication to becoming successful. Success is very rewarding. If you are not careful, you will be consumed with just working, competing with life to be on top that you forget the little things that matter. It is the little things that will actually bring you more joy. You realize this once you feel just how lonely you really are. Be successful but always make time to just live life, have a family & be with those that you love and love you. Your family is your legacy. They live on and tell your story. Money and some successful business at that moment cannot. You can't take the money with you when you die and even the most successful, business who has a history of longevity can fail. Look up Lehman Brothers!  Do you have a family? Children?" The woman nodded and smiled as if she envisioned them at that very moment smiling and laughing. "Yes, I do. My husband and I have two boys. We are struggling a bit right now because we want to make sure our sons have a great life." I smiled at what she said and said "then it should be me that asks you how to be successful. My shoes hurt. From the looks of things, your shoes are just fine. Keep those on." I picked up some random tea that I probably will not even drink and walked away.