Shake It Off - Then Shake It Up!

The young boy looked up at his mother with eyes expressing a sense of nervous fear. He never looked forward to this day since told by his father that the family would be moving to a new town. The day had quickly arrived to begin attending his new school.

Three months prior to this day, the young boy sat down next to his father as he explained with compassion a new community and a new home. “Son, this will be so exciting for you! You will be attending a new school, and meet many new friends.” The young lad looked up at his father and smiled, to acknowledge his father’s sentiment. Besides, the first day at a new school would be a distant three months away.

The young boy entered his new classroom and immediately felt the stares upon him. During class recess, the boys criticized his clothes and the way he talked. He tried desperately to become friends by attempting to change that he was, based on the criticism he received from the other boys. He began wearing clothes like the others and practiced speaking in the same manner the other boys were.

Eventually the young boy’s title of ‘new student’ subsided and became a part of the group, but for some reason he felt something was not right within. He felt an empowering emptiness as if he had lost something of vital importance. He could not understand why he did not feel a true sense of happiness. By following the criticism from the boys at his school, he had changed everything on the outside in order to be a part of the group. Why did he have this feeling of emptiness within?

Just as the young boy, so very often in life one may receive criticism in some form or fashion. An individual or group of individuals may criticize the way you dress or the way you speak. You may not share the same ideals in life, or receive criticism for a goal you are reaching to achieve. Of course, in life we are given the gift of choice – to change your outside to follow the criticism, or to listen within and understand you are unique like no other, with a purpose in life like no other.

Once you begin to ‘shake off’ the criticism around you, you will ‘shake up’ amazing abilities and achievements in your life path. Prepare yourself to accept that the more you achieve happiness and purpose within, those with negative energy within will attempt to place you back ‘in the group’.

After some time, the young boy understood why he felt so empty inside. By accepting to be like the others because of criticism, he had become what they were – empty inside.

‘Shake it Off’ – then ‘Shake it Up’ in your life!

Rick Hayes is the founder of LifesGift, Inc. - an association that supports his consultation and speaking engagement services. As a Paranormal Communications Consultant with unique abilities, Rick consults on a daily basis with those that have questions regarding life and life-after. As a speaker and lecturer, Rick has shared his thoughts with inspiration and enthusiasm to thousands since 2003. Ricks speaking invitations range from a small organization group of 15 members to major events and conventions attended by thousands. Rick's wide range of topics is designed to accommodate each speaking invitation. As a published author, his books include 'Stepping Stones- Thoughts Along Life's Path' (ISBN#0-9765434-1-9) and 'You're Not Crazy, You Have A Ghost' (ISBN# 0-9765434-0-0). Rick's bi-weekly article 'Rick's LifeNotes' appears on the LifesGift website and has appeared on numerous print and online publications. Rick is a media favorite and has appeared on television, radio, and print media. For more information, contact Rhonda at LifesGift or visit http://www.lifesgiftseminars.com