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Wherever You Go, There You Are
I'm back!
My adventure selling cars stretched from August 29th to November 30th. It was a lifetime and it was a blink. So it is with most of the experiences in our lives--whether we're attempting to cling to each joyful moment, or find our way out of dark and heavy times. It all passes.
Many friends have anticipated hearing what I experienced in the past 90 days. Others are sure this was all research for a book on management styles.
The fact is, I'm not sure where to begin. I have to sort through what may be relevant to you and what may require you to have "been there" to understand...like the night I fell in a hole showing two students from China a Nissan Maxima and seriously sprained my ankle, which resulted in being whisked away for a drug test...
On a personal level, I learned (or relearned, as I believe we all know it to be true) that when I am true to myself, I am my best. When I try to "improve" according to others standards, I lose my bearings and become a shallow substitute for what I'm meant to be in the world. Especially if those attempted improvements are an effort to fit in.
It's not that as I am I'm all that and a bag of chips. It's that each of us is. We are each uniquely equipped to be exactly what the world needs us to be. Injuries to our psyche and hurts to our hearts may limit our ability to remember that, but even worse is when we behave in a way that serves the situation rather than serving God.
But how can you remember and honor who...and whose...you are when the world around you is pressuring you to be something else?
Most Native Americans had solemn rituals to choose their names, which carried an inherent connection to their tribe, their past and their purpose. I still claim a connection to the MacGregor Tartan, representing the Scottish clan from which my family descended. There used to be more tangible societal reminders--crests, tartans and talisman's--to let the world know from who and where we came. Maybe that's what we're missing.
On the lot, when I let the long hours and the frustration over my low pay nibble away at the fabric of my own sense of resilience and optimism; or when I began to adopt the skeptic's view of people and their motivation, it was celebrated. "Now you know the car business!" "She's finally one of us!"
It's not that being one of them would be bad. Truly, the men and women at that dealership comprised some of my favorite coworkers ever. It's just that I was being less of me.
When you find you're losing your balance, phone a friend.
* * *
I was nicknamed, even before I was born, by my four sisters. I suppose that in some families, one survives in spite of their siblings. I thrived because of mine. It is not that we don't have differences and difficulties. We do. But we also have a deep and abiding love and a fierce sense of care that provides a sort of armor--impenetrable on one side and warm and comforting on the other--for one another.
When I finally allowed myself to tell them what tiny threads were keeping me suspended from the end of my rope; the response was immediate. They bound up my heart and reminded me who I am. And whose I am. And that made all the difference.
Remember who you are. Know your own goodness and claim it in every situation. Let others be who they need to be without finding yourself trapped in an awkward affirmation of feigned like mindedness.
Celebrate the goodness in people--even, or especially, those who irritate or annoy you. It will help them remember who they are. Nurture goodness and it will grow.
<i>Celebrate the goodness in people--even, or especially, those who irritate or annoy you. It will helpthem remember who they are. Nurture goodness and it will grow.</i>
I need to remember that. Not real good about it.
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LikeTheJackB First...thanks for reading all the way through to the last line :).
Second...I preach first to me. I write about the things I need to remember and more regularly practice, so you're in great company here, my friend!
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LikeWhat a great story; definitely know who you are and your purpose. Stay true to yourself and it will help you stay balanced.
Ah, the fickle world of sales. Some say athletics or competition brings out someone's true colors, but I have certainly seen it in sales too. Just remember, there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
So does this mean you are back? I do appreciate you stopping by my place as it is always good to see you. You might find my post tomorrow somewhat interesting in light of the current vibe that seems to be prevalent in social right now.................
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Likebdorman264 Bill, I thought I replied through Wordpress, so pardon me if I tell you twice that I think you are the poster child for staying true to oneself. My guess is that your honest, transparent style brings you as much success in your sales career as it does in the blogosphere. And yes, I'm back. My retreat and return do tie in perfectly to your post today!
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LikeMimi, your 90 Day experience brings forward such profound clarity. From time-to-time, we all lose ourselves to something, and you remind us that we can find ourselves again with those with those friends and family who anchor and support us. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to reading more of your insights. @suzyimmgraven
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Likesgraven@suzyimmgraven I love the "find ourselves again" phrase in your comment Suzy. And you're right, the thing we lose ourselves can be a passion, an environment, a fear...we have to constantly seek our bearings and find ourselves again. Thanks for that!
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LikeMimi, you speak for us all! It's wonderful to hear your strong voice again and to see this incredible photo of you and your sisters. I have siblings like this and there is no way to put a price on it! You'll smile that my own blog post yesterday at Heartspoken.com speaks to related topics!
My warmest wishes to you and yours for a blessed holiday season. Maybe sometime we can sit back and figure out a way to collaborate on something. That would be fun!
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LikeRiverwoodWriter Hello Elizabeth! How good to see you again. I loved your post yesterday and the combined perspective you and Cyntia offered to how we can clear the view to better see our true selves. And I hoped I successfully subscribed to your blog this time so I don't miss any other great posts!
Much love!M
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