Putting Yourself Out There
Today I got a guest post emailed to me by a super hot guy I know! I didn't even know he was working on it until it hit my inbox.
So from the desk of Shawn Birk . . .
Putting Yourself Out There
We all have done it, haven’t we?
I am doing it right now, by writing this post. You see the great thing
about putting yourself out there is the rawness of emotion. Its real, it’s
sincere, it’s genuine, and for most, it is coming to a realization about one’s
self. I am not really sure why I started to write about this, other than; it
feels as if we all are hurting right now. We are hurting as a World, a Nation,
as a Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Husband or Wife. So while being vulnerable
and exposed is scary, I believe it is exactly what we ALL need, and we need it
right now.
I want to enlighten us with words of inspiration, with insight that is
so profound it can change the way that we view ourselves, our relationships,
and beliefs of our own potential. Something said that completely changes the
way we live, think, and more importantly speak and feel about each other. The
truth is, I got nothing!
I could go on for days upon days about what is wrong with everyone else.
My wife, my boss, my parents, my children, other people’s relationships…and
definitely about strangers! I could from the outside, dissect and analyze
everyone else’s problems, shortcomings and failures. That’s easy! Can I do the
same about myself? Not a chance. When we look inward, it’s a whole different
ball game. So let’s play ball. Let’s get real.
Put yourself out there, because by doing that, by being meek and humble,
the real process of change begins.
For the last year I have been an interested spectator, in what has
turned out to be a very…well…let’s say unique election year. I have watched,
listened and have been sickened by the tone and example that our “leaders”
display. We have witnessed constant
disrespect, dishonesty, disingenuous, and disgusting rhetoric that has become
somehow acceptable in our daily interactions as a Nation. Two things… one,
those were lots of disses, and two, how far have we fallen as a God loving, God
fearing Nation? It has affected me in ways that I really haven’t realized until
now. You see the most disturbing part of watching the elections play out on the
National stage has been coming to a realization that my own life has mimicked
the state of our Nation.
What do I mean by that, you may ask?
In a lot of ways I am jaded; ineffective, intolerant, unwilling to
compromise or change…I have for all intents and purposes become The United
States of America. It is hard to look at
myself and think that I share a lot of attributes that I find so repulsive in
our society currently. I don’t want to be this, I don’t want to look for the
negative first, I don’t want to unleash a preemptive attack in order to protect
myself. I don’t want to build a “wall” in order to keep others out of my
bubble, I don’t want to live a life that only appreciates and understands those
who think like me. I don’t want to be dishonest; I don’t want to destroy my
relationships with others. I don’t want to be that guy, but the thought of
being rejected, not understood, not loved, not appreciated and valued seems to
drive a lot of these behaviors.
So what does this have to do with putting yourself out there?
EVERYTHING!
For me, putting myself out there means that I acknowledge my own
“stuff”. Recognizing when I hurt others by sharp words, or when my pride has
hindered my ability to mend a relationship. When I place my own interests above
others, or fail to compromise. The list goes on and on, but until we can humble
ourselves and for one second forget the “what about me” mentality, the change
will never happen.
The amazing thing about this life and journey is we have the power to
change; we can reinvent our lives and rewrite our story. I have the ability right now to decide that I
will speak a little bit kinder, that I will be more understanding, more forgiving,
empathetic, more Christ like. Instead of looking for fault, I will find virtue,
instead of being quick to anger; I will be quick to forgive. Instead of tearing
down, I will build up, instead of being selfish; I will be selfless, because
after all I am my brother’s keeper.
So today, our Nations election day is a day of renewal, a day of hope, and
a day of change. When we all commit to being better than we were yesterday,
treating others with respect, understanding, compassion and love, the change is
inevitable.
5 comments:
Way to go Shawn by putting yourself out there!! Great Post...
So true! I'm proud of you Shawn!
Great post! So true!
Shawn, my little brother,oh how you have grow up.I am so proud of you and your growth as a human being.
The first step to bringing about change is first recognizing the need for change.Admitting to ones self that the way we are doing things isn't working.
We live in an existence of fear,greed and lust for power.
As a whole "we the people" are failing each other in every way without even batting an eye.Lies,propaganda and hate of ourselves and our differences is tearing us apart.
In the words of Michael Jackson " I'm starting with the man in the mirror"
Change starts with you and I. Peace and Love
It was a complete sudden stop in my life when my relationship with my fiancee came to a halt without any reason and he said that he has fallen for someone else, it was Dr. Lawrence who helped me get back my fiancee with a love spell and now we are happily married, thanks a lot Dr. Lawrence. If you need his help to restore your relationship back, you can contact him Drlawrencespelltemple@hotmail.com
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