Tag: desires

Cheerleader

Definition of cheerleader
noun cheer·lead·er \ˈchir-ˌlē-dər\

: a person who is a member of a group (typically a group of young women) who shout out special songs or chants to encourage the team and entertain the crowd during a game in sports like American football and basketball

: a person who encourages other people to do or support something

On my  page About page I express one of my passions: “I am passionate about the potential I see in others.……. I want to help them get there.  I want to bring hope to others.”

I never was “cheerleader” material.  Too shy, too quiet, too terrified, and no confidence or desire to do things outside the norm for me.  As I matured along life’s path I developed more confidence.  I started doing things that were out of the norm for me.  I took on a “why not” kind of attitude.  What have I got to lose?  Some things were harder than I thought and still cringe at what I went through to achieve something.  But I did come out knowing I could do anything I put my mind to.

I had a few cheerleaders along the way.  Here and there a good friend came alongside to say “You can do it!“.  My husband is my biggest cheerleader and I can think of a few dear friends who have remained faithful to me and my crazy ideas over the years.  I am totally thankful for their encouragement to me.

You see, the thing in my life that I am the most passionate about is also the biggest hindrance to me.  The fear of not achieving what I desire or what I know I can do is always jumping up in my face and thoughts.  That lack of confidence is always rearing it’s ugly head and telling me lies.  The beast will succeed if I let him.  If I give in to the lies he is telling me and start believing them 100% he wins.  It happens to all of us.  The choice lies within us.  Don’t listen.  Don’t give him an ounce of room to dwell there.

I don’t always know how to accomplish my goals or yours.  But I do know that I can see the end result.  I can see my dreams and desires are very real.  I can see the potential in others to accomplish what they desire and what God has made them to be – even if they don’t see it yet.  And I do know that I can be a cheerleader for you and for myself.  You can do it.  I can do it. We just have to at least try…….

Enjoy!

cate b

Thinking Too Small

I’ve mentioned before that I have a passion for seeing people progress into their destiny.  For seeing their potential and hopefully I can encourage them to get there.

I am not a professional in that area.  Heck, I don’t even know what to call it.  It’s something that I can do.

Let me tie the title of this post and the paragraphs above, together.  Bear with me on my thoughts here.

Today, I went to a function in our lovely town.  It was a Christmas event where people dressed as characters from Dicken’s era.  Some set up in shop windows weaving a basket or drinking tea, etc.  Some were on the streets strolling around town.  Some were singing Christmas Carols and some were carrying instruments to local businesses.  There was a cart pulled by two horses that you could ride in around the town.  There is to be a tree decoration and lighting in about an hour.

All great ideas but poorly attended.  The very dreary weather and penetrating dampness could have been a factor.  We went into the old courthouse building, mostly to get warm, but some students/faculty from University of Missouri encouraged us to go inside for a hot drink and cookies.  We did, apprehensively.  You see, our town is a University town.  But not for University of Missouri.  We have UCM – University of Central Missouri.  We went in and I asked the people if they knew they were in Mules territory.  We all laughed.  I was secretly trying to scare them.  No where did we see recruiting for our beloved UCM.  Just a banner on the courthouse lawn. 🙂

Now, I know I’m new to town and I am still new to the way of thinking of the Mid-West.  I admit that. But I just couldn’t help it, as I walked around I saw potential.  I saw potential in the community, the locals, the ones not even connected to the University.  I realize that towns in the midwest are likely not to be connected geographically – there are a lot of farms out there – like a vast ocean between towns.  But The Burg is the county seat.  I could see building up this type of event to the point where more people will want to come.

So now, where I’m really going with this.  It got me thinking about my own life and potential.  I think too small.  I get ideas of things I can do or see others with their ideas and then I get discouraged.  I actually talk myself out of those dreams and desires and ideas.  They look too gigantic and just down-right impossible.  But are they?

I do not see the whole picture.  I do not see the hows and the whens.  I give up way too easy.  I think most of us do.

I also have a firm belief that my dreams and desires do not start with me.  They start with the God that I put trust and faith and anchor my hoper in.  But do I really believe that?  I confess right now, that when I doubt and talk myself out of pursuing my desires and dreams, that I do not believe that they can happen.  That’s not good.  I’m my own worst enemy.

What makes me doubt?  The delays mostly.  I read an encouraging post today from a fellow blogger here: http://howleadersmanage.com/2014/12/06/go-the-extra-mile/

This part shined right out at me: “For the longer payment is withheld, the better for you. Compound interest is this law’s greatest benefit. While you wait consider it an investment in your character.”

Payment being what I dream and desire……my character is being greatly invested in.…. if I let that happen.  We really need to stop looking at delays and discouragement as failures.  Failures should be the very instrument that makes us succeed.  We need to get a new perspective on our life.  Many great people will tell you of their failings and how they were necessary.  We do not see the whole picture of our life – we just don’t.  But we can gain a new perspective.  A higher view, so to speak.  A God’s – eye – view.

I can do this.  I can dream and I can slow down and gain new perspective.  I can also encourage others that I see doubting and floundering around, on the verge of giving up.  Let’s help ourselves to rise up to new heights and let’s help those around us.  Every human being has potential to be great.

I’ll leave with this thought.  From the movie, Saving Mr. Banks, the main character, PL Travers, handed her driver (Ralph) a piece of paper for his daughter (who was disabled).  The paper had a list of names on one side:

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Even with their deficiencies, these people succeeded to greatness.

Now Let’s go!

cate b

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