Posted in hungry for more

Greed

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Two weeks ago, I was blessed with an opportunity of a lifetime, well, at least in my lifetime! I spoke to close to 400 students, faculty and staff, at one of the high schools in North, AL. Upon my arrival, I didn’t really know how many students I was going to speak to, because the number fluctuated between 300-350. I was very nervous to say the least, but with God’s grace, I knew I would get through it. When I met the Principal, he informed me that I was originally to scheduled to speak in the auditorium, but due to me speaking to the ENTIRE high school, they could only accommodate me in the gymnasium.

Talk about insanity! I was thrilled, ecstatic and had feelings of apprehension, all at once. Doubt started to set in, but I knew this is what I was called to do, so I closed my ears to defeat and eyes to fear. I was in my element, and the words flowed like milk and honey. Granted after it was over, I felt as though I didn’t really give my best, because every time I surveyed the audience of 300 (plus), I couldn’t help but wonder if I touched them or bored them? However, based upon the praise, compliments and positive feedback, it’s safe to say they “felt” what I said.

At the end of the day, I was on an absolute high, and there was no way I was coming down anytime soon. I became greedy, and wanted more….so much more, and whatever I set my mind to do, I don’t stop until I conqueror it. Many of you know, that I am a Motivational Speaker, and I get paid great money to speak with high school students, but none of you know that I am in the early phases of working to become a Certified Life Coach. I told you I was greedy! I know without a doubt that God has blessed me with a wonderful gift! I love what I do, and how my story makes them feel is much more rewarding than the pay.

I’ve shared this before, and I’ll share this again, the stars are still there…..all you’ve got to do is reach for them! It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve waited to achieve your goals. All that matters is that you put your best foot forward, apply lots of effort, quite a bit of sweat and plenty of tears, and you’ll be where you want to be. However, you’ve got to be okay with knowing that success rarely comes on the first attempt, so keep working until you reach it!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Don't worry, be happy

Happy Again: Adding the value back to your life

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

For a very long time, I felt lost (more like deserted), and I just didn’t know which way to go. If I went left, would things suddenly go “right” for me, or would I continue to wonder around endlessly, looking for my peace and joy…from someone/something else? Like you, I often found myself attaching my happiness to a person, place or thing, but the only thing that could make me happy, was me!

I remember when I was a teenager, I always dreamed of moving to New York, and eventually Atlanta, Georgia, because I thought that’s where my happiness, career, husband, and life was. If nothing or no one could fix what I was going through, then a move across the world would surely do it. I’ve been to Atlanta more times than I can count, and although I was happy when I got there, there was nothing that’d make me happier, than leaving.

The same can be said for New York. I visited NYC for almost a week, and although it was everything that I dreamed it would be and saw on t.v., within 3 days, I was ready to go. I was happy to have experienced the moment, but I was even more happier to get back home to Alabama. I didn’t understand fully that I was attaching my happiness to destinations, until I read an article by Psychologist Dr. Robert Holden, on “Destination Addiction”. He states that, “Destination Addiction is a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is found somewhere else”.

For years, I tied my happiness to different states and people. I foolishly thought a city could give me what I needed, and when I went, it was nothing but a temporarily delight. My happiness faded away, because I was not happy where I was. When I became an adult and entered into my 30’s, I found my happiness, and sad to say, it was in a place that I knew existed, but kept hidden for so long (me)! My happiness brought me joy, peace and more importantly, it added the value back to my life that I had taken away.

Everyone has a choice, so if you’re unhappy, that’s your choice! Quit tying your happiness to places, people or things, because they will disappoint you every time.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in You're already official

Verified (No “check” sign needed)

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

If you frequent social media, Instagram in particular, you’ll notice that only the “verified” have a blue check mark besides their handle (account name). Typically, this means that the person possesses some type of status or are extremely popular, to say the least. They’ve been validated by society, and unless you have the blue check sign, then you’re not a part of the esteemed. To some this may not matter, but for many, it’s everything. Their total existence is based upon the acceptance of others. They can’t live, unless they know people are “checking” for them.

I’d like to take a few minutes of your time, to briefly talk about a man who “verified” you over two-thousand years ago. This post is not intended to infringe upon anyone’s beliefs, but to let you know, you’ve been validated long before you were created. In fact, if someone was willing to take responsibility for your sins, and die as a result of it, that alone should be an indication of your worth. Too often, we give society credit for “building” people, when the only thing they’re responsible for is tearing them down. Depending upon what you do or the level of interest one has in you, you’re “in” and the next minute, you’re out.

However, regardless of what you do or the nature of what you did, Jesus will never count you out! Your validation comes from Him, so society’s approval is neither required nor needed. With Him, you can make one-thousand or more mistakes, and your approval rating still won’t go down. He forgives and forgets, but society remembers and condemns. Who’s validation do you want more? Do you need a blue check sign to be accepted, or can you accept His verification as being enough?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in What are you doing "it" for?

Are you doing it for the cause, or because you want the applause?

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

If you’ve ever met a (good) servant, there are a few things you’d notice right off the back: they’re committed, hardworking and shy away from attention. They steer clear of the limelight, because their goal is not to be seen, but to help. Doing it for the cause is their “why”, so they don’t have a need to be “thanked” for it.

On the other hand, you have those who are fame vultures and will stop at nothing to be recognized, even if it means putting on a facade, just so they can receive the applause. There’s nothing that motivates them more than attention, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Besides, it’s their lifeline, and without it, they’d be non-existent.

Automatically, you can see the clear distinction between the two. One is fueled and driven by what they can do for others, while the latter is accelerated by what others can do for them. Are you going to go the rest of your life looking for attention, or would you rather bring “attention” to a matter that needs it?

What are you doing “it” for? Is it because you love what you do, or you love the praise you get for doing it?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in humble

Help! I need to get down!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I suffer from extreme acrophobia! I don’t like ladders, climbing to high places or being up top (unless it involves success). I stay clear of anything that will take me out of my comfort zone, and place me in a position of fear, and pedestals are one of them. I appreciate when people recognize me and present me with accolades, but I don’t like the “hype” that comes along with it.

I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but I just don’t like being placed above others. I don’t like when people make me out to be more than I am, because the minute I don’t live up to their expectations, I immediately fall from their graces. I used to try to impress people and live my life for them, but I realized that no matter how good I was to them or did what they wanted or expected of me, when I did anything unacceptable in their eyes (no matter how small it was), they turned on me.

This is one of the very reasons I DO NOT LIKE TITLES! I’ve been labeled as a role model, inspiring, encouraging and the list continues. Although I appreciate it all, I am human and I make mistakes, and will continue too, as long as I live. I’m not saying they are intentional, but what I am saying is, I’m not always going to get it right. I’m not always going to be everything to everybody or the “star”, as my church likes to put it. I don’t mind people looking up to me (no pun intended), I just don’t want the persecution that comes along with it.

I speak about my church a lot, because they are some of my biggest supporters. They brag on me constantly and have expectations for me, some which I’m pretty sure I haven’t met. However, even I have to tell them, “I’m terrified of heights, so NO pedestals please”! I’m just Deetra; a Christ lover and writer. It may not mean much to you, but those are the only two titles I’ll accept. People will hold you in high regards, and then drop you low, when they feel you don’t rise up to their expectations. Remember, those expectations are their feelings, don’t make them your own!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Too close for comfort

Uncomfortable

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I make people very nervous or uncomfortable, I should say. I used to wonder why, but when I realized it was due to their own insecurities, I stopped asking questions. People were uneasy around me, not out of fear, but because I was a threat. When I speak of threat, I’m not talking about imposing physical harm. I’m talking about a threat that my presence alone gives. This is not an attempt for me to boast or appear more than I am, but to bring attention to how your success can make others uncomfortable.

People love fame and notoriety, but only when it involves them. Because they feel there is not enough room for everyone to win, they become scared that you’ll end up occupying their space. Plans are formed and attacks are made, but none seem to hit the mark; you! I’ve probably shared this before, but I used to cry (literal tears) to one of the seasoned ladies at my church. I always told her that, “I didn’t understand why people didn’t like me”. I mean, seriously? What’s there not to like about me?

It was then she said to me, “Deetra, people see something in you that they lack, but want. They don’t know how you got it, so they’re being mean to you, because they can’t get what you have. What you possess is something special, and no one can have it, because it was given specifically to you”. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what the hell she was talking about, let alone what I “supposedly” had, but it was enough to make me feel better and stop my tears from falling.

Six years later, I realize “what” I have and why people are uncomfortable with me having it. I am destined for greatness, and that’s not something a lot of people can handle or be happy with. Regardless of their insecurities, I still have “it” in my possession, and there’s nothing they can do about it! People will be envious and threatened by you, but don’t change who you are, just for the sake of making them feel comfortable!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Created for Growth

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Before you ever learned to walk, you had to once crawl. Although many of us have reached adulthood, a number of us are still stuck in the infancy stage. Some are fearful of getting up, because they don’t know whether they’ll stand or fall. Others are simply lazy, and don’t want anything out of life, except to depend upon others. As a result of their unwillingness to change, they go the rest of their lives living as caterpillars.

On the other hand, you have those that are ambitious, motivated and driven, so it’s only natural that they try to walk before they crawl. They don’t sit around waiting for handouts or others to do anything for them, because they are determined to do it for themselves. Crawling is not an option for them, because they’ve learned that all they have to do is embrace change, and they’ll be able to stretch their wings and fly. I love these type of people, because they are my butterflies.

Are you a caterpillar or a butterfly? Are you still crawling or have you decided to fly? Everyone will experience some type of change, but are you willing to embrace it, or remain the same?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Difficult Decisions

I used to love you, but…..

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I used to love you, but…..you’ve changed!

I’m not saying that isn’t a good thing, but it just isn’t good for me

You’ve taken away all of my benefits and have left me to fend for myself

Now who am I going to use?

I can’t make it without you, and even if I tried, it just wouldn’t be the same

You covered me, had my back and put me in a position to win

But, ever since you walked away, I’ve done nothing but lose

There’s no way I can make a comeback unless you come back!

So what? You’re just gonna leave me hanging like that?

You think you’re better than me now?

Well, before you go putting your head in the clouds

Just remember, I know who you are

You can run all you’d like, but you can never get away from me

I…..CREATED…..YOU

How dare you try to change, when we’ve been together for so long?

What is it? Am I not good enough for you now?

It’s funny what change will do to you, but that’s okay, because I don’t need you anyway!

Go ahead and have your fun, but I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you

When you find out things aren’t all you thought they’d be, you’ll be back

And I’ll be right here waiting

Sometimes it can be hard to change, especially when you are so used to being a certain way. You want to grow and get better, but a lot of times, you get in your own way. You’ll sabotage your growth, because even you aren’t comfortable with who you’re becoming. It’s okay to change, but don’t allow who you used to be, keep you from who you’re supposed to be!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Destined for greatness

Set a part

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Ever wonder why you your vibe doesn’t mesh well with someone else? Or, why you just can’t get on the same wavelength as them? It seems no matter how hard you try to adjust, you just can’t seem to get “in tune”. There’s a disconnect, and you’ve been set a part for a reason. You’re on a different level, a higher one, and regardless of your desire to see others with you, they won’t be. It’s not to say you’re better than them, but where God is taking you, they can’t follow.

The space you’re in now, was created just for you. Naturally, you want to bring your family and friends along, but there’s simply no room for company. Although you may see the innocence in their presence, God sees a distraction. Because He knows the nature of your purpose, He won’t let anyone threaten it. Therefore, He’ll remove you from the bunch and set you off to the side, because He knows familiarity can cause contamination.

When we’re used to being around certain people, we become comfortable and don’t want to move. We like our surroundings and don’t want to leave, because we’ll be entering into unchartered territories. Yes, it’s new and not what you are accustomed to, but get comfortable, because you’re going to be there for awhile. There is a plan for everyone, and although we’d like for others to experience our every high, sometimes, God will keep them low.

You’ve been set a part for a reason. Trust the process, but more importantly, trust God!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in a change is going to come

At least I didn’t give up

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I don’t feel like fighting today, so that’s it, you win

Call me lazy, worthless or whatever you may, but I’m pretty sure I’ve already done the same

Every new day is looking more and more like the old

And I don’t think I can continue to relive the past

I should be over this, but I’m not, so bear with me while I talk this shit out

I need to get a grip, but when I think I do, I lose my handle

I’m tired and have never worked so hard to live

Funny, because I make life seem so easy, right?

Um, yeah, about that…..I have a very good way of manipulating one’s perception

I’m what you would call the “Pen and Teller” of distortion

Because I’ll have you seeing one thing, when it’s something entirely different

Tricks aren’t necessarily my thing, but hey, when you’re desperate, you’ll use whatever you have

Speaking of have, have you ever wondered why people talk about the same thing over and over again?

For some, they’re in need of attention, others a cry for help, but for me, it’s cleansing

Every time I open my mouth to speak, I rid myself of toxins

Otherwise, if I held on to them, they’d kill me…..literally!

Sheesh! The struggle is real, but I want to be able to say I got through it

You probably don’t get me, understand me or my reason for doing what I do

And much like you I sometime feel the same

However, while you’re so busy trying to figure me out

I’m here wondering if I’ll make it out of bed today

My life is like a whirlpool, stuck in one never-ending cycle

But, although I’m not at my best, at least I didn’t give up

I know a lot of my posts are repetitive, hard, admittedly depressing and no doubt “dark”. However, the more and more I talk about my struggles, the closer I get to the “light”. For those of you still struggling to make it through the tunnel, hold on, “A change is going to come”!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue