The beginning of each month is considered a reset for me. I think about the previous month and become hopeful about what will happen in the new month. For some, it can be hard to do this for various reasons, but one reason I hear more often than not is people struggle with facing their own reality because someone else’s reality look better than theirs.
A better way of saying this is, they struggle with comparison.
I’ve struggled with comparison in the past, and if I’m not careful my thoughts will try to ease their way back into that trap. No matter how comparison shows up for you, it’s a thief that enters your life to suck the joy out of you. You can read more about how I learned how to rejoice with others even when I didn’t feel like it here.
When March 1st arrived I begin thinking about what I wanted to focus on. One of the first things that came to mind is “marching to the beat of my own drum. ”
Two scriptures the Lord has repeatedly reminded me of this year are:
1. Romans 8:28 (NLT), “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
2. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT), ” For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
These two scriptures alone has given me so much hope, encouragment, and peace around where I am in this season of life. I see several people moving forward in their purpose, and I am genuinely excited for them. In fact, I’m not only able to celebrate with others, I’m better able to celebrate where I am.
Just because people can’t always see the actions I’m taking to ensure I’m living a purpose driven life, doesn’t mean I’m not taking action. I don’t focus on what others see or don’t see. I focus on what I know to be true and what God thinks and says about me.
So here are 5 really quick ways I encourage you to consider if you want to “March” to the beat of your own drum:
- Be confident in your calling/purpose, even if it looks similiar to what someone else is doing. There are more than enough people in the world for us to influence. Never try to compete with others and be open to opportunties to possibly collaborate. “Every woman is a queen, and we all have different things to offer.” – Queen Latifah
- Keep moving. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Although the tortoise moved slowly, he never stopped. He moved to the beat of his own drum. He didn’t try to prove a point to anyone.
- Work on fine tuning your purpose whether it’s through reading educational material, listening to podcasts or videos, or simply doing one thing daily that aligns with your purpose.
- Celebrate others. I know I touched on this above, but I think it’s important to learn to celebrate others who are marching to the beat of their own drum. I personally find it encouraging and it helps to motivate others to own who they are.
- Take time daily to pray and ask God to guide the works of your hands. Ask Him to align you with your purpose, then be open to the opportunities he provide for you to walk in it.
I know I said 5 things, but most people know I love words of affirmation. So, I’m going to leave y’all with one final suggestion:
BONUS: Speak words of affirmation. Your words are powerful. What you say to yourself about yourself has the power to change your entire mood for the day. Ask God to help you to not only speak words that can help heal and build others, but that can also help heal and build yourself.
I encourage you to write an affirmation to repeat each morning before you start your day and before going to bed.
Instead of looking at others in great defeat, move your feet…no matter how fast or slow…to the beat of your own drum.
Lord help the person reading this today to trust You and the plans You have for their life. Give them creative ideas on how to multiply and use the gifts you’ve given them instead of burying them out of fear. Amen
Keep marching!
~Tiffany
