The Power of You

February 10, 2024

I’m a true, certified, card carrying, Gen Xer. When it comes to those generational characteristic listings, I check every box for Gen X.

Like extremely independent, I absolutely hate asking for help, works to live (not the other way around), wants a clear separation of work and life (don’t mix the two), doesn’t want to hang out with coworkers or socialize after works hours, plans to retire and start the next chapter, the very second I can (if not before), give me a task and leave me the hell alone (I’ll get it done), no, I don’t want to be in a collaborate group for something one person can do, believes everyone should be both responsible and accountable, and no, I'm not going to ask for permission, and the list goes on.

I’m sure my fellow Gen Xer’s can relate!

My parents were of the traditionalist generation, they worked extremely hard their entire life to provide for their family, but probably never allowed themselves to really enjoy life. I’ve been working since about age 14 and the older I get, I find myself acting very much like my parents, even though I’m Gen X.

Why is that? My parents instilled in me the traditional hard work mindset of, “your work represents you”. You are defined by your work, and you are both responsible and accountable for it. The harder you work, the more dedicated you are, the more focused you are, and thus the better you are. My parents’ generation believed your work showed your worth and I’ll admit, I find myself doing and thinking just that. I have no idea why, but it’s just pre-programmed in me.

Looking back, at times I have sacrificed enjoying myself and living life because of a self-imposed dedication to a task, job, or responsibility. Whether this was serving in the church, as part of a team or work related, I’ve worked many weekends when I didn’t have to. I’ve lost a lot of sleep worrying about things like this, from audits to setup, to checklists, to extra efforts, etc.

Until just a few years ago, I served as a worship leader in the church world in several different churches. I’ve led choirs, worship teams, helped plant and launch church campuses, worked the portable church circuit and much more. All the while, working a weekly full- time job and then serving on the weekends. I dedicated all my time to whatever I was involved with but left no time for myself. I burned the candle at both ends and in the middle.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with one of my, all-time favorite Christian music icons, Sandi Patty. We were talking about serving in the church world, etc. and Sandi asked me, “Jason, when is you sabbath?” 

That was a profound question and I suddenly realized I didn’t have one. I was so busy focused on doing what I thought I was supposed to be doing (all of the time), to show my worth, fulfill my “calling”, etc., I greatly neglected ME. I didn’t pour back into myself, and time after time, feeling completely drained both emotionally, and physically from “serving others”. I retired from the church world a few years ago and now just enjoy attending church (when I chose to, not out of obligation). I actually enjoy attending now.

Recently, when I turned 29ish (LOL!), something seemed to happen, it was like a page turned and I suddenly became more comfortable with Me. Not sure why it took all these years to get to this point and I’m still not sure I fully understand it. No, it didn’t happen overnight on my birthday, it has been progressive. For me, it is the “Power of You”.

So, what is the Power of You?

No one can be you, influence who you influence, impact who you impact, serve who you serve, or be you! No one can!

Everyone is unique, with unique skillsets and characteristics shaped by our own life’s journey.

The Power of You is simply this… you have more influence than you probably realize, more impact than you know and by simply being “You”, you shape the lives of many people every single day, and specifically your own.

Who Takes Care of “You”?

If you are like me and spend much of your time serving others (in some capacity), it leaves little time to serve or care for yourself. I’ll confess, I have a hard time doing things for myself. I think that stems from how I was raised. I was taught to “work first, free time later”. Many times, free time never comes.

The Power of You goes beyond just taking care of yourself, it is more about believing in yourself, liking yourself, and loving yourself enough invest in yourself for the greater. Sometimes that is in small steps and sometimes in bigger, bolder steps.

It’s not just believing that this chapter of life is more fulfilling, but also actually doing things that make that a reality. No, it’s not selfish or self-righteous, self-centered, or cocky, but it’s that inner peace that comes with believing in yourself, even if it requires a little faith to make it happen. It is the Power of You. Whether that is a new step forward or lateral move in life, a career change, a new venture, or maybe just learning how to embrace yourself and actually like yourself in the process, it begins with "you". Only you can move you.

So let me encourage you today, tap into the Power of You. I realize that is hard for us Gen Xer's, for some reason. Maybe find yourself in a new state of being, state of purpose, mindset, etc. Maybe believe in yourself in a different way. You may be surprised at what you can do. Or maybe you just need to unlock your inner I-phone.

Maybe you have a similar story, feel free to share in comments.

This is BestLife50.