In this clip Steve Harvey goes through challenges in his life: divorce, homelessness, being written, off among other things. He also goes through his successes and how he has been able to use all of this knowledge to his advantage. Oprah then says: "And you know how to re-invent yourself!". Harvey responds with "You cannot be afraid of that!"
I think this is the difference between living a fulfilled life, and not living it. We either see the challenges which have occurred in our life as something that defines us and bring us down, or something that re-invents us, increases our knowledge and builds us up. Your challenges are there for you to learn from and to prepare you for the great things you are meant to do in life.
It is ok to say, "I was lonely, didn't almost have any friends, but it has made me comfortable with being alone and dealing with situations independently. It also doesn't define me as asocial or lacking social skills. I am social."
Or you may have gone through a divorce and let that define you as a failure. "There are no failures, just God blowing us in a new direction", as Oprah said recently. The divorce was a new opportunity for you to come to grips with who you are, deal with underlying emotions, and get closer to your mission. You are a victor.
Similarly, when "the shit hits the fan", we should not be afraid of letting out and show the new sides of ourselves that we have discovered, the knowledge we have acquired. It may not fit the labels or stereotypes we were given growing up, but it is still you.
I was often told I was shy, but you know what, I love to talk! And I love to talk especially in public. I would be happy to give a seminar if you are interested.
Finally, a quote from Ephesians 1: 18-22:
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
