I AM WHAT I AM

Dear Creator,

You are who you are, and that is awesome!

If you are familiar with Popeye the Sailor man, you may have heard him say “I’yam what I’yam”. It’s been years since I’ve watched the program, as a matter of fact, I think it was old when I was a kid! I know he ate spinach out of a can (canned spinach, really? Eww) which made him strong and he used his strength for good. He also had a girlfriend named Olive Oil. That’s all I remember. He was a sailor who loved spinach, he used his strength for good and he was hot for Olive.

If I were to describe myself that way, in someone’s distant memory, what would it be? She was creative and wrote books, and loved her family very much. Hmm, that doesn’t sound very interesting at all. Let’s try that again; she collected heart-shaped rocks and shared her love for writing with the world. That’s better, but how about this? Inspired by those she loved, Sylvia penned exquisite stories, transforming the hearts of her readers. Boom! I sound amazing!

How would you describe yourself, now and in the future? For most people, especially creatives, owning the awesomeness that has been given to us - you know, the God -given-gifts that we have nurtured and fostered into something beautiful - is difficult. Just think back to the last time you received a compliment. Did you believe it - really take it in? Or did you quickly dismiss it after a nod and quiet ‘thanks’? It’s hard to accept the truth about who we are sometimes, but it’s the right thing to do. If we do not, we remain small, hidden, and the world misses out.

How about today, Dear Creator, you take a few moments and think about who you are, and what you bring into this beautiful world. Write it down. Try again and again until it makes you smile. That’s when you’ll know it’s right. Then post it somewhere you will see it often.