Fearlessly You
Every once in awhile, I need reminders. There are times it is the reminder to do my laundry. Other times, I need a gentle nudge to drink some more water. In moments, my buddies have reminded me to maybe answer my phone once in awhile. When we are going golfing, I usually get a text the night before casually throwing the time out once more. You know, the normal.
Recently, I have been feeling sort of lost with who I am and if I am good enough. Hear me out. I do not mean this in a negative way at all. I am in a weird place transitioning through different changes. Am I the former second grade teacher? Am I the former principal? Am I the restorative practitioner? How much of me is being dedicated to being a good husband? What part of me is brother? Son? Friend? Am I the author and speaker yet? Or am I simply rising to those things on a slow climb?
The answer is easier than I thought. All of that. And more.
Driving to a school today, I had my “Leadership Playlist” blaring in the car. I used to listen to it every morning on my way to work. It is a playlist of uplifting songs that always fired me up for the day with staff and students. Along the highway this morning though, I got my answer when “Damn, It Feels Good to be Me” by Andy Grammar vibrated throughout my Mazda.
I was reminded that all of the things that make me…me…are actually pretty amazing. I am a former second grade teacher and principal. I am a restorative practitioner to the max. I’m a good husband, caring brother, loving son, passionate friend, and rising author/speaker. I am also a lover of boy bands (BSB is the GOAT). Philadelphia sports make or break me. I am an avid reader that takes far too much pleasure in walking around Barnes and Noble just holding a book. Above all, I am still a kid at heart.
And honestly, I don’t hide any of it. If you get in the car with me, you are listening to one of two things: A boy band concert for the ages with lead singer…me or my overreaction to a Phillies game in the early part of May. A conversation with me could lead in a variety of directions because I love making connections and understanding people’s stories. I ask alot of questions because I want to know.
Why would I bury any of this where no one can see it? It is what makes me Mike. And whether it is Mike the principal or Mike the wannabe boy band member, I am still the same authentic person to the people I meet.
My challenge? Be fearlessly you. People do not want to get to know the version of you pretending to be someone else. When you are authentically yourself and step out of the box you think people want you in, you start feeling alive. Your energy changes. Your star shines. You become a magnet. People want to be around those who are confident in who they are.
Last night, a great friend sent me the perfect video about never settling. She did not know I had been struggling with my mindset. I will add this to my challenge. Do not settle into being what someone else wants you to be for any reason. If you are not good enough for them, do not settle for that friendship or relationship. You should never settle while writing your story.
You will absolutely come into moments of doubt. I just vulnerably admitted my own. The last week has been self-challenge followed by self-doubt. It took this song and a random message to put me back in my place. Find the thing that allows you to look in the mirror and reminds you that who you are is enough. It is more than enough. You are fearless. You are genuine. Let the parts of you that you feel are not good enough shine as brightly as the sun is on this gorgeous Thursday. Be you. Be fearless. People will love you for it.
Even if you want to be in a boy band…
Much Love,
Mike
