The Beauty of Your Path: Finding Fulfillment Without Comparing

My Lovelies,

Isabelle here 😘❤️! It’s that time of the week again when you and I get to spend some time together. Welcome back to our current subscribers/followers here at Pawz and Prose and a warm welcome and special “Thank You” to those of you reading/visiting us for the first time. Having you all as part of Athena and I’s online family is a pleasure and absolute joy! Now, without further ado, let’s get into this week’s topic, shall we?

This week I wanted to share with you something that has been happening to me after entering the working world. Something that I’m not quite sure how many of you will relate to; however, I’m hoping can help others who perhaps have found themselves in a similar position in one way or another. As usual, I must insert my usual tangent here to help clarify my topic… Yes, I know, a bit annoying, LOL, but bear with me, My Loves, as I promise there is a method to my madness.

If you have been following me for a while or if you are one of my subscribers/followers who knows me personally, you will understand when I say that I am a true homebody and an EXTREME introvert. When I say extreme, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m the type of girl that I’m pretty sure none of her teachers will remember due to how quiet she was. Now, that is not to say that I was not memorable at all. If any of my teachers and/or college professors remember me, I’m sure it would be due to my written work and not my presentations, speeches, or participation in class (these were usually limited as much as possible). You see, writing has, in a way, become my preferred way of “speaking” or “communication,” so to speak… for many reasons. First, it’s much easier for me to convey my exact train of thought or true feelings via a physical or metaphorical page. Next, I have more time to think about what I have to say, thus allowing enough time for me to be able to think EXACTLY about how I want something conveyed. Finally, writing is my favorite form of art. For some, this antique way of expression may be a dying breed, but for me, it is a way for me not to get tongue-tied or nervous when put on the spot while speaking.

Now, what does this tangent have to do with our topic today? I have been thinking lately about how all of us have unique gifts, yet how difficult it may be for us to embrace them many times because we compare ourselves with others so frequently. I know I am one of those people! For example, in school, I was always one of those students who could admire anyone who participated in ANYTHING that remotely had to do with going before an audience (i.e., theater, music, cheer, etc.) Now, in the working world, I deeply admire anyone who can get up and speak in front of a group of high-level executives, heck, in front of any group, for that matter! What is most impressive is that these people get up there with such confidence and poise without breaking even the most minor of sweats!

As I think about this more in-depth, it makes me realize that it's okay to admire that gift, that talent that these individuals have because it is exactly that… THEIR unique gift, THEIR unique talent. It’s also ok to understand that I may not have the exact gift that I admire so much, but I have my unique gift… writing. A gift that I am truly grateful for and am working diligently to help get out there in the world to inspire and help others. I also know that not everyone is comfortable with writing and that gets me thinking about how many people may admire that talent. How many out there may read a perfectly written piece of poetry or a lovely novel written by one of the greats and wish they could have the written word come that easily to them?

What I’m trying to say here, My Loves, is that it’s ok to embrace the gifts and talents you’ve been given… it’s not ok to compare. We all come into this world to leave a footprint, a story, a legend of sorts but we’re all here to leave it in different ways. Some of us come to leave it by being in the arts, some of us come to leave it in an entrepreneurial sense, and some of us come to leave it by doing good in the world… it just depends. The beautiful thing is that all these gifts matter. It’s ok if our gift is not the one we wanted or the one we desired because the ones we do have are what propel us forward. Our gifts are what are going to make us special and memorable because of exactly that reason that not everyone has it. I won’t deny that it’s still difficult for me to know that public speaking or just verbal communication doesn’t come as easily for me; however, I know that this here, what you are reading at this moment is my speaking. It is my verbal communication. It is who Isabelle is and how she connects with others.

I hope this post helps you focus and embrace the gift(s) you’ve been given and to be proud of them. Your person is the sky in which these stars (i.e., gifts) shine. Don’t dim them by trying to make another star appear where it does not belong or by coveting a star that is shining where it needs to in another place. Illuminate the world with your unique light and make that shine as brightly as you can. Now, this is not to say that you can’t learn other talents and grow other gifts; however, don’t feel like it is only through those that you make grow and force that you are defined. Those that are innate to your being are the ones that make you truly special and are enough.

Much Love,

XOXO Isabelle 😘❤️ XOXO