You deserve a trophy for everything you’ve been through this year.
Seriously.
Through pandemics, protests and constant world pivots, you’re still here.
Through political upheaval, you’re still here.
Through unbelievable grief, devastation and loss, you’re still here.
Through technology fatigue and ALL the noise online, you’re still here.
I could go on and on.
So I got you a trophy.
(I wish I could actually give this to you in person, but alas, this picture will have to do for now. smiles)
Congratulations on making it this far in 2020!
As we get ready to head into the Thanksgiving season here in the US, please know how grateful I am for you being on this journey with me.
And as you look ahead to 2021, keep in mind the type of people you need to have in your life.
Picture a large oak tree.
It has roots, branches and leaves.
Root people are just that. They are strong, stable and secure. Helping you to thrive in so many areas of your life.
“If you can find some people in your life who are like the roots of a tree then you have found something special.
Like the roots of a tree, they are hard to find because they are not trying to be seen.
Their only job is to hold you up and help you live a strong and healthy life. If you thrive, they are happy.
And if you go through an awful storm they will hold you up. They hold you up, come what may, nourish you, feed you and water you.” -Tyler Perry
Branch people have the potential to lift you higher and help you grow. But be careful. Some branches may be too damaged and weak to support you. Be careful not to mistake branches for roots. You will have to let go of toxic branches if you want to grow and truly thrive.
Leaf people come into your life and they are like leaves on a tree. They are only there for a season. Like leaves, they are there to take what they need and as soon as it gets cold or a wind blows in your life they are gone. You can’t be angry at them, it’s just who they are.
The bottom line is this:
Stop expecting people in your life (and you probably know exactly who they are) to give you what they don’t have or don’t know how to give. Don’t waste your energy frustrated with them. And don’t be angry at them, it’s just who they are. Instead, change your narrative and the company you keep.
Spend more time with people who are like root solid trees and have strong branches. You’ll find comfort, kindness and the ability to thrive there.
Sending you so much love and light,
Jevonnah “Lady J” Ellison
A Prayer for Your Day:
“Dear Lord, well, here I am. Nearly at the end of the year 2020. While I am ready for this year to be over, I’m also grateful for the tremendous growth you’ve allowed me to experience this year. I’ve had to totally lean and trust in you. As I get ready to prepare for 2021, please reveal to me the people in my life who are weak branches or leaves. Give me the courage to cultivate the soil around me and surround myself with people who have strong roots and solid branches. And help me to be a solid root and strong branch for somebody else. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
This Week’s Resource:
This Week’s Podcast:
Coaching Tips
A Word of Advice:
Before seeking everyone else’s opinion about what you should do or not do, seek the face and voice of God FIRST. This beautiful song will help you. (special thanks to my big sister and Bishop Perry for first introducing me to this masterpiece of a melody)