How To Pronounce Amazing, January 15th

Not everyone likes me. There, I said it! And guess what? I don’t love everyone either. I guess I’ve lived most of my life thinking that this was a huge secret that I wasn’t allowed to discuss or admit. But now it’s out there and I can’t take it back. And in fact, I don’t want to.

But if you believe any of those things that people may say behind my back (and maybe yours too), you might as well join those haters. And I’m actually cool with that. But maybe you misunderstand? I was never trying to win anyone over. I’m not anxious for anyone to agree with me on how I think, feel, or act. I actually have no interest in changing anyone’s opinion of me. They can think what they like. But tell me this… How does me being me stop you from being you? Yeah, you’re right. It doesn’t. It never has. It never will.

I’m not everyone’s favorite. However, I do seem to have amassed a rather influential fan base and I have to say that it’s truly a mutual admiration club. They are all terrific. I have found my people! These folks are passionate, outspoken, opinionated, strong, and fierce. I stopped asking anyone’s permission to be happy. I am living my best life without anyone’s approval and that suits me just fine.

I’ve worked so hard to become the person you meet today. And anyone who is stuck thinking I’m the old me can either catch up or get left behind. I refuse to live in the past. I’ve dealt with challenges, setbacks, disappointments, heartache, heartbreak, and struggle. (I know! You too? That’s why we are such good friends. Wink.) And the fighter in me never gave up on me, even if some of the members in the audience did. But just because I’m fearless, doesn’t mean I am immune to hurt. So whatever your opinion of me, you’re certainly entitled to it. But please leave me out of your narrative unless I specifically invite you in to comment. I have only positive things to say about myself, my decisions, and my choices.

The best quote I’ve ever read that sums up my kind of personality goes like this… “For the wrong ones, I’ll always be the things they can’t handle or don’t understand…And I get that. The ones that truly get me will always love me for who I am and appreciate the person I’ve worked hard to become. So, before you call me stubborn, difficult, or too much, you might want to think again. We both know you’re mispronouncing AMAZING.”

I think Bruno Mars gets it right in his song titled Amazing. “When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change. ‘Cause you’re amazing, just the way you are. And when you smile the whole world stops and stares for a while. ‘Cause girl, you’re amazing just the way you are.”

If you’re confident, bold, Buzz or Woody, headstrong, outspoken, gutsy, courageous, industrious, formidable, or brave, you’ve got a friend in me.

Never be afraid to be the best version of yourself.
We are all amazing, just the way we are. So go where you’re CELEBRATED and not just tolerated.