After reading Nigel’s article about charm, it brought to mind a question asked of me recently. “Do you really believe the stuff you are writing about?” I answered honestly, “absolutely!” They wanted to know if I was avoiding the realities of my life by posting positive messages. There are, and may be many challenges to face, and they are as real as the day is long, but I am not defined by them and refuse to be. I am not less than because of financial, physical, or any situations; having or not having, limitations or not, merely are what they are, not who I am.
As Nigel pointed out so eloquently in his article, “People completely underestimate just how powerful and persuasive they can be by applying simple and elementary charm.” He concludes, “commitment and faith in what you are doing can easily be disbelieved if when you describe what your doing you sound unsure of yourself. That’s why you’re safe when you’re honest. Avoid being negative but also don’t become a bullshit merchant just to please. There is good to be found in almost anything – seek it out and verbalize it!”
Charm is the action we can give easily through our sincere hearts. It is how I could say yes, I do believe what I am saying…and I wholeheartedly do! I was seeking professional advice/direction on my writing. Something I am leaping out of my box into, somewhat new and unfamiliar ground. I have kept a journal for over a decade, and is a special part of my life. Being a “writer” is a title I never considered, or dreamed of…the desire was beyond me, and let’s leave it at that for now! It has evolved, and my life for a few years has forced some reevaluating and new directions, and after acquiring many skills coupled with my talents, a writer was still not remotely on a list to do or become. Yet, here I am…writing, maybe not a published author…yet, but none the less, it is what I am ”doing” at this moment .
Exploring options, trusting in myself after many hardships leading me here, redefining life as I know it, and through my faith gained over many years, able to focus through sincerity, and hopefully with charm, honestly share the hopes and encouraging parts of my journey with others. No, life is not perfect, or a cliché “bed of roses,” but I choose to be determined instead of defeated and though there could easily be countless moments in a day to defeat me, I choose to live, to love, to give, to serve, to inspire and create, to savor every moment as the precious gift it is. To delight in the friendships formed here through cyberspace, and make honest attempts to spend time with those I hold dearest to me, the simple things in life are my greatest gifts. Choosing gratitude, if only for the breath in me at this moment, unleashing the vision of seeing all before me and the great things to come! To laugh often, to cry when I need to, dance when able, rest when needed, to strive harder to keep moving and find whatever positive ways I can to survive the challenges that come my way, with hopes of lifting someone up through their difficulties. Isn’t that what we are called to do!?
Thank you once again Nigel and Crissy for offering a beautiful venue to connect and grow with amazing people across this globe, for sharing your hearts and visions with us, allowing us the insight and inspiration to reach…and soar to farther than ever before. I appreciate so much the friendships gained through us all writing…what a priceless gift! Abundant blessings to you all!
Sincerely yours!
~Janine XO
