As I write this, many emotions emerge.  I recently got off a call with a group of people I believe I was destined to meet.  I am excited to see where this journey takes me.

Every task and direction given to me, I have done and delivered with excellence ahead of schedule.  It’s important to me to follow through, follow up, and stay connected.  What if other parties do not respond or return messages, especially when they did initially?  What if you are hired to do a project, but the person who hired you keeps blowing off your messages and questions?  I know people are “busy”.  (Don’t get me started on that word–It says, “You’re not important enough for my time.”)

How can I continue to complete projects, especially for others, if they are not as committed as I am?  I step back and do my best to see what may be going on at their end.  Still, no matter what, COMMUNICATION is key and in a timely manner.  Knowing that you have that person’s FULL ATTENTION and that they are actively LISTENING shows honor, respect, and interest.  People want to know they are important, and that you truly care, right?  No longer will I tolerate putting myself last, because I think everyone else is more important.  My time is valuable too.  It is a pleasure to work with people who treat me well; be assured that I will give the same courtesy.

Talk is cheap; ACTION (or lack of) tells the real story.  Unexpected stuff happens to everyone.  Just communicate when it does or at least assign someone to relay the message.  Be honest; be authentic.  It’s okay.  Most of us, at some time, have bitten off more than we can handle and made promises we can’t keep.  Be real; just say so.  Don’t keep me guessing; take time to respond.  I would rather know if anything has changed than to have unrealistic expectations, wouldn’t you?

Maybe $100 or $500 or even $20 is a big investment for some and only pocket change for others.  The fact that you made that investment and trusted certain people was a HUGE risk for you.  Recently, I had an unexpected medical and financial situation that was a game changer.  Despite everything, I keep making investments and taking risks.  Many of those risks almost put me under.  Have you ever been there?  Feeling like you keep getting sucked dry only to be mocked or called crazy.  Even worse, feeling devalued when threatened to be “disowned” if you don’t have the investment required and never to be allowed into that circle again.  Wow, that hurts!!

Know the difference between excuses and people who are giving it their all and doing their part to find a way.  Hopefully, their finding a way and digging a deeper HOLE prevents them from being homeless versus truly achieving success.  Take time to hear their situation.  They are counting on you, because you promised to be there.  They put their TRUST and BELIEF in you.  You have seen their efforts and accomplishments, don’t just laugh it off and take it for granted.

There are people who use and take advantage of people, but most people DO have good intentions who truly help people succeed.  When we break promises or fall short, step up, admit it.  Lead by example.  Again, we all strive to lead by example.  None of us is perfect.  I disappoint myself many times.  Let’s not disappoint each other.  But when we do, forgiveness and understanding go a long way.  Know who really is there for you and who isn’t.  Don’t pretend.  Find the circle who supports and encourages you and helps you reach your destiny.  Remember, what you know and the life you live may be foreign to new people in your circle.  Have mercy and patience.  What comes easy to you, isn’t easy for everyone.  Build them up and teach them how to rise up and help them when they fall; you will be appreciated and rewarded for doing so.

There have been too many people I trusted and who made promises; it didn’t end well.  When similar patterns emerge, it causes me to pause and evaluate if I am in the right circles as I move forward.  Time and actions will reveal the truth.  I am committed to doing my part.

Thank you, Dani Johnson, who taught me, “Nothing becomes dynamic until it becomes SPECIFIC.”  For example, “Honey, when do you want to start a family?” OR “When can you fix the sink?”  OR “When will we schedule our next call?”  If your answer is, “SOMEDAY” or “SOON” those answers are NOT specific.

Is having INTEGRITY important to you?  We all fall out of integrity at times.  Then what do you do?  Own up to it, apologize, and get back into integrity with yourself and others.  Is “image” or good character more important?  Some people use arrogance or ego as a cover.  It reminds me of a man who was often late on purpose to show how important he thought he was so that people should be thankful to get time with him.  Really?

My grandpa always said, “Don’t think you are better than anyone, but know you are just as important.”  Be humble, and respect everyone’s time no matter who you are, from peasant to king.  When people commit to a time to connect, all parties are expected to show up.  Sure, there are glitches and delays and unexpected things that happen; that’s life.  Just communicate that information so you don’t leave people hanging.

Have you been “ghosted”?  What is that?  Ghosting is breaking off a relationship (often an intimate relationship) by ceasing all communication and contact with the former partner without any apparent warning or justification, as well as ignoring the former partner’s attempts to reach out or communicate.

Ghosting can happen in business too or friendships.  One day you are communicating regularly, and everything is great.  Then, poof, it ceases.  What happened?  You may never know.  If it was an intimate relationship, maybe they ran off and got married even if they said you’d always be best friends.  In business, maybe a richer client came along.  Don’t waste your time on people who don’t value you.  Even if it seems like some people put you on the back burner or cut you off, don’t give up on yourself or your dream.  Shake the dust off your feet and keep it movin’.