Pat Anderson Today

I’ve just come through a week of learning a lot about myself! Sometimes that is frightening, sometimes it’s surprising. Either way, as I am enlightened I have a desire to improve who I am and therefore need to embrace the fear that comes with what I learn!

This past week my family and I spent the week at a family retreat. I did not know anyone in a crowd of approximately 100 people. My desire was to get to know new people and to build relationships with them.

At one time in my life I would have had a lot of confidence going into a situation like this but I was surprised how much I feared putting myself out there among the people now. I had lost my confidence! I struggled with fear of being rejected, not measuring up to their intelligence, not being an interesting person, and many more emotions.

The first few days were difficult. I would introduce myself and try to make conversation but it seemed to be going nowhere. I was not about to give up. The third day of the retreat I forced myself to go sit at a table filled with ladies. Realizing there would be no room at the table made me hesitate but I pushed through the thoughts that were reasoning with me that I would have to stand beside the table to visit with them which would make it extremely awkward!!

I persisted and as a result I met half a dozen wonderful ladies whom I got to know very well throughout the rest of the week. I was so glad I had reached deep into myself to find the courage to continue on even when I wasn’t seeing the results I had hoped for. By not giving up I developed many precious friendships.

As I reflected on my lack of confidence I realized that having been a stay-at-home Mom for 20 years had changed me in more ways than I realized. I had become comfortable interacting with children as I poured my life into my precious kids but I had also lost some of the ability that had given me the courage to break into any circle.

I want to encourage all stay-at-home Moms today to believe in the person you have become.

1. You are making a tremendous difference in the world by giving your children a home of security and stability. Never underestimate what you are doing to improve the world.

2. You are an interesting person who can contribute a lot of wisdom into conversations. Your life is not wasting away as you are putting time into your family. Rather, you are becoming a person who has learned to run an organization that rivals any CEO’s job. You have adapted to managing the most noble profession: raising the leaders of tomorrow!

May these two thoughts encourage you to have confidence in who you are and what you have to offer to any relationship. Believe the best about yourself and be confident!

Create a Great Day!
Pat