I woke up in the middle of the night the other night, and my mind was processing and reflecting on several things that all kind of meshed together. First, I’ve been reading Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, and although I’m not very far into the book yet, just about every single page so far is marked with powerful messages that resonate with me. I had also just finished writing a new blog draft that was still swirling around in my head, and had just had a conversation with a friend about people who have helped us be successful. These three things were intertwining and I wanted to share my reflection.

I don’t want to diminish what others do for you, or for me, to help us learn, grow, and get to places we never even dreamed we’d ever be. BUT, and this is kind of my revelation the other night, I believe that you, and I, might be giving them just a little bit too much credit.

I wholeheartedly believe that people make all of the difference. If you surround yourself with people who encourage you and understand your dreams, who push and support you to new heights, and who are there to pick you up when you fall (because you will), you will certainly grow more than if you try to do it alone. I hope that others will inspire you and will teach you things that you wouldn’t have learned without them. The right people will create the conditions in which you will thrive. But, who chooses who you surround yourself with? Who takes the time to build those relationships with these crucial people in your life? Who cuts people out when they just bring you down?

You do.

I’m not much of a believer in luck. I more so believe that we create our own realities. Whether you want to believe that or not, is up to you. But I do want you to consider how much YOU are creating your own successes. You should absolutely give credit to people who help you along the way, but don’t forget that YOU do the work, and you deserve a lot of credit, too. You make the choices to learn and grown. You take risks and try and try again when you come up short. You silence your fears when they try and tell you that you can’t do this. You, that’s all you. And you are amazing!

Please stop downplaying it, and brushing it off, pretending that the only reason you’re amazing is because of others. That’s a lie, and it needs to stop.

You, all on your own, are amazing!

Don’t apologize for it. Own it.

You. Are. Amazing.