It's Ok NOT to be Polished

We have to grant ourselves some grace. I have to tell myself daily that I don't always have to be polished. I worked in corporate America for so long and was always held to the standard that I always had to have the answers and a certain level of perfection because I was in a leadership position. I was always told YOU have such a polished look and demeanor, and you will go far in your career. I had to be readily equipped to resolve an issue at any given moment. I had to constantly "Be on my toes" as they would say. I knew how to speak, walk, interact with others and present myself in a certain way. I had encountered many "Important Executives" and I knew how to play the part, and I played it well. Now don't get me wrong because there is absolutely nothing wrong with a high level of professionalism. However; you don't have to carry the burden of perfectionism with you at all times. True it can help you excel but it can also immobilize you.

Oftentimes, I would come home, and it was hard to turn it off. This way of thinking had spilled over into so many areas of my life. I felt as if I was almost robotic at times. The bottom line was I was not perceived as authentic, and for me, that was the worst. But I finally realized that I don't have to be ready with ALL of the correct answers. I will make mistakes at times.

I know that I am flawed in so many ways. I yell in anger at times when I am frustrated. I may sometimes stutter over my words. I may not always answer a question correctly on the first try.

However, I now know it's okay to say, "I don't know". I have vowed to let go of the polish in areas of my life where it's not needed and allow others to see I am human and I am flawed. I am not as polished as I was always portrayed.

I can admit that I am not perfect, and in my admission and honesty, I am open to God making me, shaping me, and molding me to be the woman he has predestined me to be. So again, grant yourself some grace. Do away with the unnecessary pressure to be anything but you. Because in the eyesight of God, you are special because He made you that way. In all of that, remember it's okay to do away with the polish. It's a fact that we will make mistakes at times. We are human. Allow others to see the heart of you, and in the end, you will shine brighter than ever before!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12;9

God Bless,

Shelly L. Rainey