We have the potential to be great. But our potential doesn’t matter if we don’t live up to it.
I was reminded last week that living up to my potential isn’t just a matter of doing it for myself… but for those around me who I can be of service and help to.
It’s easy to hide from ourselves sometimes, thinking that we’re the only ones affected if we don’t step out and live loud.
But it affects more than just me and more than just you. There’s someone waiting for us to step up, be there, and reach out with help.
That change in perspective can make a big change in what we’re willing to do to live up to our potential. Why?
Our prayers for others flow more easily than those for ourselves. This shows we are made to live by charity. ~C.S.Lewis
So go be great. If doing it for yourself is hard, then do it for those around you who are waiting on you.
Photo Credit: Andresr
Hi Michelle, I just want to let you know that by being great, you really have helped me so much! I also didn’t realize how powerful blogging can be until two visitors told me how much they appreciated what I have shared. As a person who has been blogging less than one month, I could never imagine what I am writing about could have any impact. I was so touched and it’s wonderful to know I can help someone else. I am stepping out slow and steady as anything else will be a shock to my system and I will just retreat. I am glad you are stepping out and living loud. You have so much to share and the proof is I am here regularly to learn from you! Thank you so much.
That’s wonderful, Diana! And it is amazing how quickly we can make a difference through blogging. I appreciate you coming by and hope I can continue to be of help. :)
Michelle, I want to second Diana’s thoughts! Love the perspective that you bring and I’ve learned so much through your blogs and your blogging challenges. What a *great* leader you are! And a wonderful reminder about why we step up and take on new challenges ourselves. Always someone else that we can impact. :)
Dani
Thanks, Dani, I appreciate that. :)
Loved your post, Michelle! What a great to think…when we get out of our own way, dump the ego, what a difference we can make by thinking of someone else. I like that! Here’s to a great week of living loud!! Be great :) Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Michelle.
Dump the ego — that’s a big one, isn’t it? We get in our own way in so many different ways!
Thank you so much, Michelle for not only the blog challenge but the more important challenge of “being great”. As a work at home business-mom, it can be difficult at times to see past my to-do list. I’ll be sure to add “be great” to the list:)
So true. When we’re juggling so many things working from home it can be really tough to remember why we’re doing what we do. But remembering and seeing past the spilled cereal, list of calls to return, and mount laundry that’s threatening to envelop my garage are what helps me stay sane. ;) I believe somehow through all that we can be great and make a difference.
Michelle, you are a great example to us all. You walk the talk! Thanks for being an inspiration for us all to step out and live loud. Helping others is the key and you are awesome at that! So very glad that I have gotten to know you through all the blogging :)
Thank you, Martha. I’m glad we connected, too. :)
Michelle;
Wow thank you for the reminder.
I have at least one moment each day where I think why? Why am I putting myself through the process of building an online presence? I tend to get stuck in this cycle of worry and negativity believing that my efforts are not worth it.
Even when I share a blog I get worried; what if it doesn’t make any sense? What if I say something wrong?
I still do it but thanks to you my perspective has changed because it really isn’t about me but how I can help another.
Thanks for the reminder Michelle!
I think a lot of us deal with those worries, Maureen. I’ve had posts I’ve read a dozen times to try to be sure I said something the way I meant it and that I didn’t say it wrong. But it does help a lot to just make that perspective shift. :)
I agree! You have no idea the impact that you have. Thank you, Michelle!!
And thank you, Jill. :) You were the reminder. ;)
Hi Michelle,
This is a very inspiring message. I have always believed that we can be great by doing small things. So every time I get an opportunity to be great, I grab it. Some examples are abiding with traffic and city rules, recycling, and keeping my garbage in my pocket or bag whenever I can’t find a trash can. They’re very insignificant but I see those acts as my own contribution for the betterment of our world. Isn’t that great? =)
Love that approach, Calli. :)
We all need to read something like this once in a while especially during the start of a work week. Thanks Michelle, this post keeps me motivated and want to be productive even more. When I read the post, I was like a busy bee trying to suck on every nectar in the garden lol!
I love reading inspirational stories and blogs like yours. It makes my soul crave to do better not for myself alone but especially for other people. Your video moved me. Don’t just settle for something less, aim higher. Thanks for inspiring us Michelle! ^_^
Yes, aim higher! :) One of my favorite quotes is: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” ~Brian Littrell