How To Win An Award

HOW TO WIN AN AWARD

publisher’s note

We live in a world full of diverse people. A world where, no matter what you say or do, and no matter how kind and loving you are, there will always be those who have a problem with you.

There will always be some people that will have all kinds of colorful names and labels to place on you. But if you live your life from a place of truth, love, and integrity, you will know how not to take things personally. Deep down in your heart, you will understand that when people judge and criticize you, their words and behaviors say little or nothing to you, but it says a lot about who they are themselves.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. Nothing enlightened at all about hiding yourself just because some people can’t handle your presence or capabilities.

We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone including you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. You might be surprised at how a simple inspiration can be life-changing for someone.

Life isn’t about being who others want us to be. It’s about being who we were born to be. It’s about letting our own greatness shine, and hoping that by doing so, we inspire others to do the same. There will be those who are offended by our very existence. Remember: That’s their problem, not yours. You remind them of what they lack and cannot understand.

A lot of people hide from themselves, pretending to be something they are not, behaving in ways that would make others happy. In this process, they lose touch with who they are and limit their potential. Our need to connect and feel that we are accepted by those around us can be costly.

You want people to love you for who you truly are, and not for something you pretend to be just to feel a sense of belonging. Each one of us has unique qualities to contribute to this world. Trying to be like everyone else, we whittle ourselves away and provide a disservice.

Never allow this mad world to make you think that who you are is not enough and that you have to whittle yourself away just so that you can fit in. Always be a first-rate version of yourself, not a cheap version of everyone else. An original is worth a LOT more than a copy.

Every awardee and nominee holds the courage to be themselves, making them stand out in a crowded industry. I applaud their courageousness and leadership. It’s not easy but the moment you stop and look at the difference you have made in the lives of others you’ll realize that every ounce of sweat equity made it all worthwhile.

Congratulations to all RP awardees!

Amanda Carmichael Publisher-Corpus Christi Real Producers