NOT ALWAYS HAPPY

Steve, some days.

I will be perfectly honest, I'm not always happy. In fact, lately I've been pretty down on a lot of levels.

This revelation came up recently with a fellow entrepreneur that has been struggling with something similar.

I won't bore you with all that I have going on but let's just say, I've had some heavy sh*t I've been dealing with as of late. Personally and professionally.

If you know me, you probably see a pretty upbeat and optimistic guy. That's the outward Steve. He wants you to see that.

The inward Steve is someone I don't personally care for. He can be dark, unmotivated and downright cutting if you cross him.

He's also lost. Searching desperately to find his way in this world. To be worthy of the often high praise that people heap on him which he feels is misplaced.

NOT LOOKING FOR SYMPATHY

I write this not for sympathy or recognition.

No, I write this to the one person out there that feels like they are barely making it. That individual who knows how just trying to keep up appearances is downright exhausting. That someone who just knows the whole world is going to discover they are a fraud.

Sound familiar? It was to my entrepreneur friend. And of course it's more than familiar to me. I battle it more and more these days.

Sure, we're supposed to have all the answers. That's why we're paid the big bucks right? I'm still waiting for the really big bucks by the way.

I SEE YOU

I write this for those of you who feel a bit like me. A bit like dark Steve.

I want you to know that although today may be difficult, sometimes blue is okay. Being a little down, unfocused and sometimes pissed off for no particular reason is perfectly fine. In fact, it's more than fine, it is downright normal.

I have come to realize when these moments come in life that there is almost always a reason. Some I can control and some I can't.

In those dark moments I just have to surrender. I have to remind myself this too will pass.  It's important to just be patient.  Need to wait out the demons and not let them take up residence for more than a day or two.

Easier said than done when you are in the middle of the sh*t storm I know. But nevertheless, important to remember.

But I want you to know that I see you. Hell, I've been you more times than I care to admit.

So let's have each other's back, okay? Just know I get what you are going through and have my own ginormous struggles.

The first real step is admitting you don't have all the answers. You need someone in your corner who won't judge you. That their sole purpose is to be there for you when and where you need them.

Before I go, let me remind you that if you ever need someone to listen and offer a much needed word of encouragement, reach out to me. My email is steve@ripplecentral.com

Perhaps I may just call on you one day to return the favor.

Ripple On!!!

Follow Up Note:

I shared this with a good friend of mine that said that this post might really concern some of you. Although I hope that's not the case, I can assure you I am okay. I am more okay these days than I am not. However, I do have those occasional blue days.

I just believe that in today's very complicated world where we tend to put on more appearances than reality, a simple bit of honesty might help someone out there that might read these words. Most importantly, it might be the best Ripple I could create for someone, maybe you, who is struggling and thinking what they are going through they have to go it alone. You don't.

Ripplers have to be there for other Ripplers.