Your Presence Matters

 Have you ever felt like you were overlooked? Ignored? Not noticed? Unappreciated? If you have said yes to any of the following questions, you are not alone. I believe that many people can relate to one or more of these. I know I have felt all of these at some point in my life. I have felt these in my childhood, but as an adult, I've also experienced these feelings. It's okay to acknowledge them. The good news is that these feelings don't last forever! In my life journey, I have realized that our presence does matter 😊. I learned that others may not have seen me, but God was always watching me 🙏. I was doing my best in that moment and that's what mattered. I also learned that people noticed me when I didn't think they did. When we show up to something (work, school, event, gathering, etc.), people notice whether they say it directly or not. The opposite is true also. When you don't show up to work, school, the event, or gathering, people also notice and may say they missed you there. I realize it's hard to show up for everything as we're only one person. At work just this week, we were having the conversation at lunch about how we wear many hats just at work. It's so true! In life, we do too! In the midst of all we do, we have to give our best (Colossians 3:23). We have to know when to step up and when to step back. Both are important. We have to get our rest and take care of ourselves 💖. I'm learning that in order to be the best, I have to make sure I'm taking care of me. I cannot neglect my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I'm learning to take care of me. What we do matters. What we say matters. What we post on social media matters. You matter. That's my message to you today 😊 . Take up space. Do your best. Keep showing up where and when you're needed. I am learning that if I'm doing what I'm supposed to from the heart, that's what matters. Show up for others. Being there really makes a difference. It was in this month that five years ago that Mom passed away in the hospital 🙏. I miss her so much!! I remember just like it was yesterday the day of, but also the days before and the days after. I'm so grateful for everyone who showed up for me and my family in any way! Your presence is appreciated! I'm grateful for those who continue to show up 💜. Sometimes, we can't have a physical presence at a place, but we can send a text, email, card, or post that is encouraging. We can make a phone call to check in. That means a lot also! A thinking of you/checking in message is everything💖. People see your social media posts whether they interact with or it or not. Back in December, a young person I know said she saw my Facebook story and she liked it. You never know who watches your stories and posts! That's the message they may have needed to help them in the day. While we show up for others, let's remember to show up for ourselves. Your presence does matter. We need you to be you. Thank you for being you! Thank you for showing up. You are needed! Whenever you feel inadequate, unvalued, or underappreciated, know you're needed at the table of life. You are enough. You are valued. You are appreciated. God is always with you (Hebrews 13:5). We needs your presence every day 💜. Now, more than ever, let's make this the year that we pull up a seat at the table of life every day and give it our best. Love and blessings to all 💜!