You dont know the cost of my praise

Been a while since I have felt the desire to write. I guess that season is upon us.

"You don't know the cost of my praise..."

Have you ever considered the meaning of that phrase? Maybe it is new to you. As a loud, life of the party personality, I am often considered vapid or immature. It is assumed I don't know what is going on or the serious nature of events due to my ability to laugh and enjoy life. Clearly adversity has never darkened my door if I can make light of a situation or even myself. (*eye roll*)

It is for these reasons I present this truth. One cannot understand the height and depth of my joy unless

you understand the depth of darkness and sadness from which I have been restored. I could list for you all of the experiences that would allow me to sulk and label myself a victim but I choose to focus on the mountain tops, not the valleys. Some of you know my story and maybe one day I'll pen that memoir that will explain it all.

But for todays purposes, I want to share a reminder that very few people will understand and appreciate the work, the tears, the pain involved in achieving personal victories. Very few will see the rock bottom place from which you built your dreams. Do not allow the unbelievers or the naysayers to cloud the sunshine at the top of your mountain. For many, the worst thing they will ever experience is someone saying not nice things on social media. For them, your mountain top casts a shadow.

Stand and rejoice anyway. You have nothing to prove. I have nothing to prove. I am not defined or categorized by my hardships but I am refined by them.

Find something to laugh about today.

Find something to be thankful for today.

Find something to inspire you.