If disappointing people gives you sweaty palms and makes you want to hide under the covers, this one’s for you …
THIS WEEK, WE WANT YOU TO KNOW:
APPLY IT TO YOUR OWN LIFE:
No one hops out of bed thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait to disappoint this person today!”
So if you’re a normal human, it’s natural that you A) don’t like disappointing people and B) might do what you can to avoid it, when possible.
But the struggle to avoid disappointing people comes at a price … usually, at the expense of letting yourself down.
To be true to who you are and what you value, you will have to let people down sometimes. And in those moments when you’re tempted to compromise who you are so that you don’t have to feel the discomfort of another’s disappointment, it’s important to remember:
Disappointing someone is not the same thing as being a disappointment.
Letting someone down is a thing that you may have done. It’s temporary, and you’ll likely have many more opportunities to not let them down, in ways that feel genuine to both of you. (And honestly, most of the time it’s not the big deal you’ve worked it up to be.)
Being a disappointment is a thing you are. It’s part of your very identity. And to label your character as disappointing … well, that’s a serious accusation. One which we highly doubt you deserve.
The point is this: Living an authentic life will never please everyone around you. There will be friction and tough choices and people who don’t understand. You will naturally, inevitably disappointment someone. But that’s not who you are.
Disappointing people doesn’t make you a disappointment. #ClarityGems
How is this #ClarityGem sitting with you today? Leave us a comment on the blog to let us know!
WHAT #CLARITYGEMS ARE ALL ABOUT:
Sometimes it’s just better to avoid long blog posts and cut straight to the point!
Think of #ClarityGems as your weekly shake of the good ‘ole Magic 8 Ball … you never know what might bubble up and how it might be exactly what you need to hear today.
And instead of just a beautiful, inspirational, and shareable image (which is a nice start), we’re giving you some quick thoughts about how to interpret it … because inspiration without action is pretty, but kind of anti-climatic.
Tweet it, share it on Instagram, or forward it along to someone who needs to hear it today … and tag us (@ClarityonFire) to let us know how this Gem is inspiring you!
Much Love,
Kristen + Rachel
I have been living in the UAE for 18 months now and have faced numerous challenges. I have finally found the courage to seperate from a controlling partner, of four years back home in Australia.
The last three times within the last two weeks, I have wanted to email him. Each time, I have received an uplifting and encouraging email from you. From your emails, I am adapting to be more stronger each and every day by taking on your advice. Thank you. It’s so strange that the last three times I have felt tempted to email him, there is an email from you. Your words hit the spot. Thank you again X
Tepaina,
Wow, thank you so much for sharing this. I first just want to say how incredibly courageous it was for you to leave your controlling partner. I can only imagine how difficult that decision was, and the rollercoaster of emotions you’ve surely gone through since making that decision.
Your comment means more to Rachel and me than you can possibly know. When synchronicities like that show up for you (like our emails showing up in your inbox at the perfect moment, with the perfect message), that’s your indication that you’re on the right track. So stay strong, and keep on this path! 🙂
Thank you again for this message. You completely made our day!
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS POST. IT LITERALLY CAME DURING A WEEK WHERE I’VE BEEN LETTING MY EVERYONE DOWN. I REALIZED THAT I NEED SOME TIME TO MYSELF SO I KEEP TURNING DOWN FRIENDS’ OFFERS TO HANG OUT AND THEY’RE ALL DISAPPOINTED IN MY SIMPLE “NO, THANK YOUS”. IT SUCKS TO DISAPPOINT PEOPLE, BUT I APPRECIATED THIS ARTICLE FOR REMINDING ME THAT I HAVE TO BE TRUE TO MYSELF AND MY NEEDS; AND THAT THEIR DISAPPOINTMENT WILL BE TEMPORARY. SO THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR CONTINUED INSIGHT. IT TRULY IS VERY HELPFUL TO ME.
You’re welcome, Traci! It’s never going to feel *good,* and you’re probably never going to like it … but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find peace. I’m glad you’re trying to release judgment of yourself and accept that it’s OK to go your own way. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 Merci ! 🙂