Stretch to your full potential

In my book, The Open Window 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life, I wrote about a conversation I had with my then, three-year-old daughter. One evening, at the dinner table, my imaginative daughter looked at me from across the table and casually asked, “Mommy, what do you want to be when you grow up . . . a butterfly or a flower?”

Smiling at such a question coming from my little curly-haired girl, I answered, “I want to be a flower.” Continuing the conversation, she inquired, “What color flower do you want to be . . . a white flower or a purple flower?” I responded quickly, “I’ll be a white flower.” Satisfied with my answer, she picked up her fork and resumed eating her macaroni.

What do you want to be? Who are you? Moreover, Who will you be?

For weeks after that conversation with my sweet daughter, I asked myself those same questions. Today, I’d like you to ask yourself them, too.

Many times, we set out enthusiastically for a life full of joy and purpose. We want to make the world a better place; we try to improve ourselves, to make our dreams a reality, and fulfill our calling. And what happens? Life throws us a curveball. We may make an attempt for a goal, but we hit a brick wall. Out of nowhere, someone purposely tries to push us down, and maybe we make a wrong choice, leading us to a dead end. In our pillows we cry, “Are my dreams over?” “Where do I belong?” “Is life over for me now?”

We may feel defined by our careers, our spouses, our looks or status; but then if we lose any of them, we ourselves can be off-course—feeling devalued, unraveled. But who you are and who you will be has nothing to do with another person, your credentials, appearance, or position. Your great worth comes from being a child of God. So affirm each day, “I love and approve of myself exactly the way God created me.”

You are a special creation of God’s love and your life has profound meaning. You are one in a million and your worth, to God, is far greater than the brightest star in the sky or ten thousand worlds. No matter the circumstance, regardless of what stage of life you are in, despite past struggles, God is not finished with the divine plan He has for you yet.

Now, get in touch with the child within. Keep some framed childhood photographs of yourself in your home and office, places where you can view the pictures often. Let the childhood photos remind you, ‘who you really are’—your authenticity, goodness, and fervor for life.

Please take a moment and put in writing five favorite traits about yourself, and thank God for those qualities. Slip the piece of paper in your day planner or wallet to look at it whenever you need a little lift.

Remember, you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you think. Designed in the awesome mind of God, you are the most beloved of all of His creations. Ephesians 1:4 says, “. . . He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Within you there are qualities that you have not yet discovered, unlimited abilities and talents. Make the most of ‘what you are.’ Do you possess qualities such as patience, dependability, or a great disposition? Celebrate them! Are you an understanding friend, a good neighbor, or an animal lover? Honor that!

Bear in mind, you can’t change the past, but you can leave it behind so you can go forward. Have you learned anything positive from your past experiences? Use your past as a learning tool. Let go of guilt, regrets, bitterness, and negativity. See what went wrong and make the necessary changes now, so that your future becomes a bright and welcoming place. Tip: If negative thoughts start to speed out of control, call a trusted friend and talk it through. After that, don’t discuss the issue again.

I want you to be at peace, and rest in who God made you to be. Always be honest and authentic. God loves and esteems you. So, hold on to your values and do not compromise them. Persist in being good to people, spreading joy to others. There is no limit to what you can accomplish for the good of mankind.

Today is a new day and with it comes a clean slate. Therefore, delight in the newness of the pristine morning, wake up, and say, “Thank you, Lord. A new chapter begins today and it is only the start of bringing you glory and expecting wonderful things for my future.”

Take time to be alone, still, and quiet, to listen to the echoes of your heart. What is it telling you? Then, ask yourself these two questions, “What have I discovered about myself up to this point?” and “How can I apply what I’ve learned to the rest of my life?” Write down the answers.

My mind wanders back to my daughter’s question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And I recognize what matters most in life is who we are, how much joy we give out to others, and how much love and peace is in our hearts.

And so, my dear readers, my wish is for you to stretch into the fullness of your destiny and let God guide you to be the best you can be.