I often think I need applause. I need the people around me to like me, approve of me, think I’m something even if I’m not.

Instead, I’m working towards knowing myself enough to know where the applause is meaningful. I still appreciate applause but only in the arenas I know are my arenas. The areas I thrive in. The people I truly care about. The places who I am and what I offer connects to a need of those in the arena.

For example, I’m not going to be a big time home renovator. It’s not in my soul. I’m not going to be able to be the DIY fix it guy of my home. I’m then not going to try to no end to fix things around my house or re-design my upstairs on my own. I’m going to hire someone or ask a skilled friend to help in big ways. I won’t expect people to come to my home and be amazed and appreciative of my skill with a saw or drywall. I will however expect people to appreciate and feel welcomed in my home. I am a hospitality person. I love making people feel welcome and included. When I see someone feel comfortable in my home and get loved by my family and those in my home, I will appreciate the applause there. That’s my strength…not hanging drywall.