The Gift of Conribution
Growing up as the oldest of 4, in a single parent household, I learned very early in life to value education, hard work, leadership and independence. With 3 other children in the home, there wasn’t much room for luxuries. If there was anything I desired, I worked for it. This mentality of hard work and independence led me to developing a strong sense of contribution. I would lavish my mom and siblings with gifts and all the things I did not have growing up. I would give, give, give and in turn HATED to receive. The older I got, the worse it became. I could not even accept compliments, let alone gifts or financial assistance. I didn’t need anything from anyone. I could handle all of my needs myself. It was the rest of the world who needed me! Does this sound familiar? Maybe like someone you know?
Living my life in a constant state of contribution and not filling myself up first caused me to eventually hit a brick wall. Eighteen months ago, I finally reached a breaking point. I was at a job I completely detested and maintained for the sake of pleasing everyone around me. I hated it so much that I cried every single day in front of my computer. My body soon rebelled and began to impose physical pain upon me and forced me into disability. After giving fourteen hour days and every ounce of me, this job which everyone else valued so highly terminated me two days later. So much for being a valuable employee, right?! I thought my life was over. I had to move back home, was out of work, in debilitating physical pain and completely depressed. I didn’t know where to turn. A friend presented me with a business opportunity a few months earlier and I decided now was as good a time as ever to test the waters. I decided to jump in. I figured there was no way things could get any worse. Little did I know that in that decisive moment my life would change forever.
About a month into the business, one of my business partners heard that I was a Tony Robbins participant. He then decided to introduce me to my guardian angel Katie. Katie was going to volunteer at a Tony Robbins event in Los Angeles and felt that I should do the same. I went on to explain, that while I would love to, my financial situation would not allow me to do so. Katie said, IF YOU CAN’T THEN YOU MUST. Once again, I tried to explain the situation and she just smiled and said, Angelica, you’re coming with me to LA. Katie took it upon herself to pay for my airfare, hotel and additional expenses. This was something my mind could not even begin to fathom. I was absolutely mortified at the mere thought of allowing someone to pay for this kind of trip for me, let alone a complete stranger! I fought her every step of the way, but she would not hear it. It was time for me to put my old belief systems aside and learn to receive.
It was during this magical event that I had the pleasure of meeting the incredible Loren Slocum. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but the day I met her, I decided that I would one day work with her! Her energy, her passion, her integrity and the values she stood for were all things I wanted to be surrounded with. When I learned of her mission to help women change their lives, I was determined to join her in her mission. Fast forward 18 months, Loren is not only my mentor and business partner, but she has become one of my greatest friends. As if those perks weren’t enough! I now have the pleasure of being one of her Lobella facilitators. J
I could go on for days talking about how my life has changed from that single moment when I decided to change my attitude. I will say that the greatest impact this “small” decision has had on me, is time freedom. The decision I made 18 months ago, to remain true to myself has allowed me the opportunity to work from home, allowing me to be there during one of the most difficult times of my mom’s life. I have been able to be there for her every single day during her illness and recovery because one woman decided to be selfless and I DECIDED I would allow her to be. Words can’t even begin to describe the amount of gratitude I have for Katie and how I will forever be indebted to her. (I don’t believe Katie realizes how deeply and profoundly she has affected my destiny and that of my family for generations to come.)
Oprah once said, “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. “ My entire future has been shaped by that single moment when I decided to change my attitude; the day my attitude changed from “I am only allowed to be a blessing”, to “I am open and I allow your blessings to be bestowed upon me”. The blessings have continued to flow ever since.
What is your story? What attitudes are preventing you from achieving the life you’ve always dreamed? Do you find yourself always giving and never allowing yourself to receive? When will you begin to allow life to bestow upon you all of the blessings you were meant to have? All change happens in the moment of decision. Decide NOW that you will live the life you were always meant to lead. Decide NOW to open yourself up to the possibilities. Decide NOW to step into YOUR GREATNESS.
It is time that I PAY IT FORWARD. Will you allow me to SUPPORT YOU?
LoBella – Changing the World, One Woman At A Time.
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