Thursday, September 29, 2011

Who's gonna stop me?

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been inspired more than once by @CynthiaOccelli, whom I saw, but didn't get the chance to meet at Sherri's wedding. She's a woman of amazing substance and between you and me, this is one woman who has her shit together.

Today she tweeted,
When I was 19, I was a 9th-grade-dropout, welfare mom who lived in a garage. When I was 29, I was a law school graduate (with honors), successful business owner who'd just finished building her dream home. Want to know the secret to my success?
I didn't listen to the statistics, family, friends, news reports or professionals who told me I couldn't do it. I listened to my inner knowing that God doesn't make mistakes, the Universe is friendly (ask Einstein), and all things are possible for one who helps oneself. This is as true as it ever was.
This went along perfectly with a conversation I was having with a friend at almost the exact same time she posted this. We were talking about jealousy and what a wasted emotion it is. I explained that because of the opportunities I've been afforded in life that I've collected a handful of people who would rather spend their time being jealous and hateful than doing something about their own situations. "I'm nothing special, I'm not gifted in any certain areas, I don't know any secret handshakes, don't have a genie in a bottle. I'm just me. I've gotten what I've gotten because I'm myself....well, that and I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to take no for an answer on anything."

And that's the absolute truth. I'm not a rule breaker, but I am a rule pusher. I put myself out there and yes, many times, I'm shot down when it comes to getting what I want. All it does, though, is just give me reason to come up with a way around that no and turn it into a yes. My ex-husband would argue that I'm manipulative and spoiled. I don't agree with that observation at all...I'm resourceful and determined. I think there's a big difference.

This quote seems to say it all:

5 comments:

  1. Not a damn soul can stop YOU, and I pray for the soul who tries. ;)

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  2. What a gift to discover that you have a blog AND to be mentioned in it AND to see that you're in with Band Back Together AND you like Mommy Wants Vodka (I've been in the closet about her for years)>

    Thank you, Ms. Bloganista (love it). I am both honored and thrilled.

    I now regret, even more, not getting to meet you at Sherri's wedding. I am certain the day will come when we have the chance to meet again. I can't wait.

    For now I'll settle for getting to know you through your writings. YAY!

    Much love to you!

    Cynthia

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  3. That's why he's your ex husband right?

    And there's a big difference between manipulative and knowing how to work your life so things fal how you want them, even if it means doing it a couple different times.

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  4. YOU GO GIRL! I agree with you. Cynthia is amazing. Have never met her but she just tells it like it is in a simple yet powerful way. I came across the following quote the other day by Rumi: FORGET SAFETY. LIVE WHERE YOU FEAR TO LIVE. DESTROY YOUR REPUTATION. BE NOTORIOUS. It hit me right in the heart. So this is my mantra now. It's time to BE NOTORIOUS.

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  5. Mel - this was just the shot in the arm that was needed today and thank you so much for highlighting Cynthia. I found a blog that I will refer to often - straight talk, just like my fave "Bloganista" ;)

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