American Idol

I have often been faced with frustration or adversity when it comes to a job. Thanks to the support of my mother and mentors in my life I have gotten through them. Just recently this year when I approached on of my mentors about my experience with my new job and my frustration, she encouraged me to write about it. I could attribute that advise to my new found joy for blogging.

I am not one to promote living in the past, however, I do think it is important to live in the moment, digest what you have experienced and learn from it, if you only live in the moment, or live in the past you will not go, take time to reflect in the moment and learn and grow.

With that said I would like to share my personal insecurity as I am facing my new job position. I cannot seem to get excited, because I know that large task that lies before me. I have full support from all of the people in my life, everyone knows that I can do it, but I cannot help but to fear looking like the shocked American Idol contestant who is rejected to their surprise by the judges.. Do you know why they were surprised... because their entire family and friends spent years lying to them that they could sing and were good enough to be an American Idol. I pray that I will not be a victim of this type of coddling support. I don't think I am since I have a very realistic view of myself and I surround myself with honest people who, for a lack of a better word, keep it real.



I pray each and every single day that I will be able to live up to the person so many people see me as. Staying in prayer and in God will allow for me to fulfill my destiny. As each day progresses and as I complete projects one by one, I am gaining my confidence back.

I am not sure if it a result of a lack of confidence or just fear that I may fail. I just must keep telling myself that I can do it. I have all of the tools I need to be successful. I must stay focused, open minded, and in prayer. Because all things are possible through God.

When I grow up I want to be ______

We go through out our lives being asked a consistent question... "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Well this question has been a paralyzing question for most of us... (I don't have statistics, but from my circle of friends and acquaintances, I would assume that this question haunts about 97% of them.) When I grow up... What age does being a grown up actually start? Can you miss the date? What if you never do find your dream job, or you have found a really good job that does not give up to your childhood expectations? I am here to tell you to stop putting all of this pressure on yourself, and to discover life and live life, seek out opportunity.

When I was younger, I never knew what I wanted to be, all I knew was that I wanted to help people and to be happy, so I would play the guessing game and the fill in the blank game of the types of careers I was exposed to. When I would play make believe with my friends I would always play the role of a multitasker. If we played house, I would be the busy working mom who had a very important office job where she was the boss. If we played pop stars, I was always the one coming up with the choreography or designing the clothes. Even when I played barbies, my barbie was always on the go... Looking back, I see that I was destined to be where I am right at this moment. As you are reading this you are probably wondering what moment I am talking about? (Trust me, I am getting there!)

I must attribute my accomplishments and work ethic to my mother, she always listens to me, ad guides me to be different, to challenge authority, to stand up for what is right, to go after every opportunity and to never be afraid. I must also attribute where I am today to Alverno College, who helped me to hone and focus on the woman that I am today. And most of all I give all glory to God, for putting all of these amazing people in my life and for guiding me in all that I do. 

I am proud to announce that my dream of becoming an Executive Director of a non profit has come true. In my mind I did not envision this happening until I was 40... But at the age of 26 I have been honored with this position. I will be serving the Homeless community in Western Waukesha County with Family Promise. I am so honored to be serving this community and working with such a brilliant and dedicated team of volunteers who are lead by God to live their faith and to share stewardship to the community. The volunteers and dedication are what inspire me to be great and to do whatever I can to honor their hard work and to provide a resource for the families impacted by homelessness.

www.fpowwc.org

As I sit on the brink of this accomplishment, I take a deep breath because I understand the commitment that I have made, this will change my entire life, and I cannot wait. I have a lot to live up to, ad I will not allow the enemy to distract me from who I am and what others see in me. I am a leader, I am a visionary and I am a child of God. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life! 

Inspired by the book Lean In... I will always be present and at the table.

Mariha