Entry #8: Looking on the Bright Side

"Oh, I just work at Burger King, but I want to be a teacher, so it's just a temporary job," I responded defensively to someone new that I met. I was astonished by his reply, "Don't you dare try to justify yourself because you think that I would judge you." We immediately connected and I learned a lot from him this night. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been in the situation where the fear of being judged was present. Now, I'm here to tell you that what others think is irrelevant. Always keep in mind the following:

-Accept yourself for who you are. Not a single person is perfect, but we each have our unique qualities that make us who we are, and these qualities should be embraced.

-Be proud of yourself. If you aren't yet proud of yourself, think of your accomplishments in life and continue pushing yourself to accomplish more.

-Don't compare your success to another person's success. You are the only one who has lived your life and been through your obstacles. Success is a figure of your imagination, so you alone can determine your success or failure.

-Do what makes you happy. If what makes you happy is working at a fast food restaurant, then don't let anyone tell you that you should do something differently.

-Forget the people who judge you. Those who judge are unworthy of your presence.

-Always be positive. Even in the worst of situations, a bit of positivity will begin to rectify the issue.

-Surround yourself with people who support you and your goals. Being around people who support you will help you strive further than you've ever imagined.

-Always work toward being the best you that you can be. Be honest to yourself and others and help others whenever you can.

-Money is not the key to happiness. You alone are your own key to happiness, and your happiness is found by pursuing what you love.

Some of this information may be new to you and some of it may be a reminder to help you re-visit the way you think about your life. I know that these words of encouragement have really helped me prosper and keep track of what is important to me, so I can only ask that you pass the knowledge on to someone who could use the words of wisdom to benefit their life.