There are so many instances in which I find myself asking myself lately: Am I good enough for this? (Whatever “this” is.) Can I do it? Will I fail? Am I too “Broken” for this? Do I deserve these things? This journey is about self-love, finding the pieces that encompass me and putting them together to create a beautiful picture known as my life. I am learning how to take the pieces of me that are broken, the pieces of me that are beautiful, and the unknown parts and create my version of “perfect.” Defining your purpose is overwhelming, let’s be real. Figuring out where you’d like to be vs where you are, in and of its self, is a project. So many times you find yourself looking at other people’s accomplishments and focusing on all the wrong things. Just because we don’t fit into someone else’s definition of “perfect,” that does not mean that we aren’t “perfect” for someone else or something else.

It may have never worked out with someone else because there is another person God has planned for you. It may have not worked out with jobs because maybe you are meant to be doing something else. Life happens the way it is designed to. Design and define your existence.

Everyone has a different concept of what is right, what is beautiful, and even how to define love. If your definition of those words differ from another’s, doesn’t make your definitions more, or lesser.

There are times where people will not respect your views. They will judge you and what you are doing. At times you find them getting to you. Even your family does this. People operate as far as their perception allows. Not everyone can see or understand you vision. Ask yourself: Why do you value their opinions? Are their opinions of you valid/true? Are they accurate? Do others agree with them? Do their opinions change anything? If you answer “No” to even one of these questions then fuck them and their opinions. Their views are not facts, it’s a matter of perception, and most often times driven by hate, envy or jealousy. Everyone wants to see you doing well, just not better than them. That is NOT your problem. Don’t not light your candle because you are afraid to shine brighter than the others. Have no fear of what you will be able to accomplish. If you don’t make it on the first try, that’s not failure, it’s a lesson. Get up and try again, adjust your plan and go for it as many times as it takes.

I view life like this:

Remember that game we played with as kids; the one where there is a box and the box has different shapes carved out and matching carved little pieces that fit into those carved shaped holes. Now, if you try to put a square piece into a round carving, it won’t fit. Just because it doesn’t fit there, doesn’t mean it is less perfect piece or trash. It just means that piece doesn’t belong there BUT there is a place for it, you just have to find it. That’s like life. We are all out here trying to find our matched shapes to carved spaces.

So relax….collect all your pieces, as messy and imperfect as they may be, and one day you will find a place to put every piece.