What do you really think of you? It’s not something we often ponder, but a conversation with my transition coach many years ago had me turning this over and over in my mind.

I was telling her about this fantastic brainstorming session I attended where there were all these extraordinary people in the room – serial entrepreneurs, researchers, authors, and doctors – and then there was me. It was so fascinating to see us all come at things from different perspectives, and…Whoa, she said. What do you mean there were all these extraordinary people and me? Where did THAT come from? Well, I said, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just don’t walk around calling myself extraordinary. You know what I mean? Ugh, no. Katrina, to live abundantly you have to accept that you are extraordinary.

Hmm. I had to ponder on that. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I believed her. I mean, really, who walks around calling themselves – or even thinking of themselves – as extraordinary? And if someone dares to, do we not secretly think they think a little too much of themselves?

However, the more I thought about it the more I saw her point. I realized that we have become a society that settles for mediocrity – at least for ourselves that is. We can see greatness in people all around us, but when we for a moment acknowledge the extraordinary people God made us Mediocre Man starts jabbering. You know what I’m talking about. You put on a nice dress, look in the mirror and smile at how pretty you look – for about 3 seconds. Then Mediocre Man points out the weight you need to lose, the pimple on your right cheek, and the piece of hair that no matter what you do won’t lie down. Or, when someone else gives you a compliment such as your hair is gorgeous! Instead of just responding with “thank you” we respond, Girl, I had to really work with this stuff today. This hair has a mind of its own! Always adding the less than because we can’t possibly be the beautiful person they are describing.

It would be laughable if it weren’t so sad. We discount ourselves everyday and don’t even notice it. We don’t speak kindly to ourselves and don’t let others do it either. It’s as if Mediocre Man has cast a spell on us. We can’t think of ourselves as extraordinary – that’s prideful. We can’t let others think we’re all that either – cause deep down we know we ain’t. We got issues. And if we let them believe we’re all that and they find out about our issues we’ll be devastated, right?

Hell, no! One thing I am absolutely certain of is we all have issues. There is not a single person on this planet that is exempt. Whenever you look at someone else’s life and start to feel envious or less than recollect this:

If the grass looks greener on the other side, it’s either AstroTurf or a higher water bill.

Real life includes weeds and brown patches. It requires maintenance and trimming. Death and renewal are constantly taking place. At no point is it ever perfect, but it can be and often is extraordinary. WE ARE EXTRAORDINARY. Our flaws don’t diminish us. They’re just a part of the landscape of our lives. Sure, we all need to do some weeding and replanting. And I have every confidence we can get it done.

But I’ve decided that I want to tend to my terrain from a place of strength. If I believe and affirm that I am extraordinary then the process of weeding becomes about allowing more of my beauty to shine through – not always trying to fix what’s broken. See, when we’re constantly focused on what’s wrong, we miss all the joy that come with celebrating what’s good and right. Viewing ourselves through the lens of negativity will always distort our true picture.

So let’s make a pact, you and I together, to make a change today.

1. No more discounting us! Let’s speak kindly to ourselves and allow others to do the same.
2. Grab a girlfriend and be extraordinary together. When Mediocre Man starts you need someone who will speak louder – YOU ARE EXTRAORDINARY!
3. Plant flower thoughts, not weeds. Your mind is fertile soil. Whatever you say about yourself is planted there and continues to bear fruit.

I know we’re not accustomed to embracing our own value. Our misconstrued perception of humility makes us think that we must see ourselves as less than. In truth, a humble person understands their own value and the value of others.  They are neither arrogantly proud nor self-deprecating. They have simply learned to value themselves as God does and to know that when He created them, he did so in His image and for a good purpose.

I wrote a little poem to remind myself of who I am. I share it with you as inspiration for creating your own. Be sure to capture what it is about yourself you find hard to believe – I am beautiful. I am smart. I am successful. I am enough. That way the next time you feel yourself discounting you, you can pull it out and read it out loud. Let the words minister to your soul until you remove any doubt that you are THE EXTRAORDINARY YOU!

Loving on Me as I Love You!

I can change the world!

I am uniquely created for a special purpose – something only I can do!

I care about myself, my village, and my world!

I am mighty! I am strong! I am enough!

I choose to do good!