STAYIN' ABOVE...
…THE INFLUENCE
THE POWER OF MY INFLUENCE
By definition Influence is 1. the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force or produce effects on the actions, behaviors, opinions, etc or others.
The day I discovered my influence is the day that changed my life. You won’t find the word in my Instagram bio and you won’t hear me speak of it -unless asked, but the influence I hold is important to me. As a kid, I was very shy, timid, outrageously funny, outspoken, and CREATIVE. I would just smile and put my head down when people complimented me. As I developed and became a young woman I knew there was something distinct about peoples opinions of me.
Let
me
break
this down.
When someone compliments you, the average reaction is a smile aided with a “thank you”, or something like that…because compliments tend to lift the spirit, but for me I received It was a different feeling.
I started paying attention to peoples opinions of me and it “moved me” in such a way. Whether the opinion was positive or negative. There was something more to it.
I always knew that I was different. More over, it was a spiritual feeling that I would feel about myself when people would speak things to me.
RECOGNIZING MY POWER
Once I knew the power I possessed inside, I did not abuse it. (I’m not perfect and make more mistakes than I can mention) but I did not/do not intentionally abuse my power. I decided to be the best that I could be in everything I did. I was never afraid of my power. -Until I allowed the same opinions that made me smile to impose.
PROS OF MY INFLUENCE
Don’t get it twisted to stand out from a crowd is a supreme blessing. I wasn’t afraid to stand out either because it charged me up. To see people inspired by my way of living, style, and persona is cool. It felt good to know that in a room filled with all types of “things” I could not be lured in, these things would not phase me. To not compromise my integrity for attention was/is like a cup of ice water in sweltering heat. A lot of people were encouraged by my will power. Unfortunately, the absence of light is darkness and people’s dark sides came out brighter than ever…with envy.
CONS OF MY INFLUENCE
Though there are many advantages and accolades that come with having a strong mind, will, and power. It’s not all skittles, rainbows, & smiles. I’ve been through whirlwinds of anger, rage, tears, and just down-right destructive behavior because of this. Earlier I mentioned how I wasn’t afraid of my power until allowing others to impose - (Yeah, I did that)-. Jealousy, envy, infiltration, pressure are just a few things I’ve had to deal with.
The PERCEPTION of your influence creates a community of people who think they know you.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
WAIT, WHAT HAPPENED TO BEING ABOVE THE INFLUENCE? I was the kid who smiled humbly, created freely, and lived fearlessly. The one who possessed more will power than a little. Remember? How could I end up here. 1. (I) allowed people into my sacred space. 2. (I) allowed myself to dwell in situations out of my control. 3. (I) cared too much. To the point that it broke me down.
-BUT it couldn’t keep me down
RESURRECTION OF MY POWER
I was able to get my power back because I took it back! Yes, it’s that simple. Remembering who I was and who God proved me to be.I was exhausted at the pressure put on myself. One step at a time I started to practice what I felt deep down the entire time and that was to control what I consumed and to let go of anything else. I didn’t end up here because of peoples compliments, accolades, criticism, or entrepreneurial activities. I ended up in “this space” because it’s where I belong. I discussed a lot about healing & renewal in my MIND + BODY + SOUL series in THE JOURNAL (If you missed the entries, go back and get into them). KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, & UNDERSTANDING, HEARTBREAK & HUMILITY, FAITH & WORKS, PRAYER & DISCIPLINE is why I am filled with JOY -not happiness.
If I keep writing…this entry will turn into a book lol. So, i’ll leave you with this.
Embrace & be grateful for your influence DO NOT abuse it in anyway.
KNOW who you are, and be in constant remembrance of it.
Persevere!
MATTHEW 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
<3
Matthew 5:16 explains exactly how influenced should be used.
Leave me love, God Bless