I Am A Lot

I’ve often been told, “You are a lot.” And it’s true—I am. I’ve done a lot, loved a lot, given up a lot, cried a lot, played a lot, worried a lot, left a lot, and smiled a lot. But the most significant of them all is that I’ve learned a lot. The past few weeks have been challenging, more than I ever wanted or expected, but they’ve also been a time of immense learning.

I’m learning that it’s okay to cry and to smile through the tears. These emotions are not mutually exclusive; they coexist, each one a testament to our capacity to feel deeply. I’m learning that sometimes, the dreams we hold dear may not materialize in the way we envisioned, and that’s okay. There may be a different twist to my story, one that I hadn’t planned but might be just as beautiful. This realization, too, is a lot to take in.

Through my worries, I’ve come to understand that worrying is a form of prayer for what we fear. It’s a manifestation of our anxieties, a way of giving power to the things we dread. So, I’m learning to worry less and believe more. Believing that things will work out, that there’s a plan greater than my own, and that sometimes, what we receive is even better than what we asked for.

I know that I am a lot. I am a lot of love, kindness, fun, compassion, beauty, and joy. And if my ‘a lot’ is too much for someone, then that’s okay. We are all unique in our ways, and not everyone will be able to handle or appreciate what we bring to the table. That’s not a reflection of our worth; it’s just a matter of fit.

I may never have the exact thing I want, but what I do have and what I will receive is a lot. It’s about finding peace with who I am and what I offer, without diminishing my light for the comfort of others. It’s about being okay with being ‘a lot.’

Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way that might help others embrace their ‘a lot’ too:

1. Accept Your Emotions Fully

It’s okay to feel everything you’re feeling. Emotions are valid, whether they’re positive or negative. Allow yourself to experience them fully without judgment. Cry when you need to cry, and laugh when you need to laugh. There’s strength in vulnerability and authenticity in acknowledging your feelings.

2. Let Go of Perfection

Life rarely unfolds according to our plans, and that’s perfectly fine. Letting go of the need for everything to be perfect or to go exactly as planned allows us to embrace the unexpected twists and turns with grace. These unexpected moments often bring new opportunities and lessons that we would have missed if we were too rigid in our expectations.

3. Worry Less, Believe More

Worrying can become a habit, but it often does more harm than good. It focuses our energy on fear rather than hope. Instead, try to cultivate a mindset of belief and trust. Trust that things will work out, that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way, and that there’s a greater plan in motion.

4. Celebrate Your Uniqueness

You are unique, and that’s your superpower. Don’t dim your light to fit into someone else’s expectations. Embrace your ‘a lot’—your energy, passion, love, and quirks. The right people will appreciate you for who you are, and those who don’t aren’t meant for your journey.

5. Be Grateful for What You Have

While it’s natural to yearn for what we don’t have, it’s also important to appreciate what we do have. Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance, reminding us of the richness of our lives. Celebrate the small victories, the lessons learned, and the joys experienced along the way.

In this journey of life, being ‘a lot’ is a gift. It’s about living fully, loving deeply, and embracing all that life has to offer. It’s about finding joy in the journey, even when it’s challenging, and believing that the best is yet to come. So, I choose to be okay with being ‘a lot,’ to embrace it with joy and pride, and to continue growing and learning every day.

#joy ✌️🏝❤️