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My opinion of the post:
Never let other peoples ugly change your good heart!
Some truth: The other day, I found myself wanting to stop writing. To stop encouraging. To stop sharing. To just hide in the shadows and be quiet.
You know why? Because no matter what I say (or most people who speak up) inevitably there is someone who doesn't like it, someone who tells me I should change something, someone who is <insert what you need> and somedays I just feel tired of feeling misunderstood or judged or labeled.
I've been told I'm too positive.
I've been told I write toxic inspiration.
I've been told I'm too negative.
I've been told I should empower.
I've been told I should write just for moms.
I've been told I exclude dads.
I've been told I should speak up more.
I've been told I shouldn't have opinions on subjects.
I've been told I am selfish.
I've been told I am selfless.
I've been told so many many many things.
And friends, no joke, it's hard.
It's not like I sit behind the computer and think, "who should I offend today as I try to be an encourager?" It's more like I think,"how can I be light in this world?" as I hit publish and share, what I hope, will be a moment of joy, happiness, encouragement, truth and "you are not alone" to others.
And yet, it's challenging.
I think that's the hard thing about speaking up.
You put your vulnerability on the line.
You talk about stuff people don't want to talk about.
You listen and let go.
You care.
You deal with critics.
You learn to be empathetic.
And you keep coming back.
I was just on an interview and I told the interviewer how I believe for most of history women have ached to have a voice in this world. How we fought to be heard and here we are, now, being able to be heard and change lives. And then I told her that the saddest thing would be if we forget the power of our voice and instead tear each other down.
Let's be a culture that fixes each others' crowns.
Let's be a culture that sees the good intention first.
Let's be a culture that responds in love.
Let's be a culture that knows our responses matter.
Let's be a culture that gives to others.
Let's be a culture that listens and learns.
Let's be the example.
I really believe that is what I'm most proud of with this page - that we are light in a crowded and sometimes challenging social media world.
And that's why I will keep writing.
I will keep listening.
I will keep responding in love.
I will keep learning.
I will keep being real.
So with that, some words of encouragement.
Be kind, first.
Be forgiving.
Be loving.
Be an example.
And be proud of you.
And just so you know - I'm not going to stop writing. I value this space, this platform, this HONOR to be able to have a voice so much. <3
~Rachel
#findingjoy
