Note to self — You’re more awesome than you think.
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So When You Feel Like Hope is Gone
Look Inside You and Be Strong
And You’ll Finally See the Truth
That a Hero Lies in You
Hero
Mariah Carey
You are doing better than you think.
Many of us give too much attention to current problems, shortcomings of ways accomplishments we have yet to obtain. As a result we fail to notice areas of growth, productivity and contentment in our lives. Instead of focusing on setbacks, spend time each day reflecting on the areas in your life you love the most. Right now there are things you are doing which help you enjoy life.
You have the skills, resources and strengths to thrive.
Self-acceptance is at the core of self-love: this involves being gentle to your thoughts and feelings, appreciating your flaws while embracing your strengths.
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It is impossible to cope with life without a significant measure of strength. Take a second and appreciate yourself, reflect on the struggles you have already successfully endured and the concomitant growth you acquired. Each stressful experience gave you a new opportunity to demonstrate your resolve. Your resiliency, in part, consists of the skills you used to transcend past difficulties.
You can heal yourself.
I have a three and a half month-old kitten aptly named Trust. When Trust is feeling unusually tense or conflicted she self-soothes by rapidly licking her fur. This cools down her body temperature which subsequently reduces anxieties. The action also allows her time to reflect and consider the next move. Just like Trust, we have the ability to heal ourselves. Self-healing may require giving ourselves adequate time and space for introspection. In contrast engaging in exercise, reading a favorite book, eating a delicious meal, spending time with loved ones or any number of activities designed to promote mental and physical health. Regardless, we are armed with the skills necessary to self-soothe.
You are beautiful.
Truth is right now there is an abundance of beauty within you. You can choose to embrace your beauty and share those parts of self which boldly illuminate your inner shine.
The potency of self-love.
I agree with those whom insightfully noted that “self-love is a revolutionary act”. You have the power to love yourself and this act alone revitalizes the soul. Self-acceptance is at the core of self-love: this involves being gentle to your thoughts and feelings, appreciating your flaws while embracing your strengths. You do not need permission to provide such adoration to yourself, this process can begin immediately.
You are lovable.
Love is the ultimate power and you have the ability to give and receive it.
You have the right to change your mind.
You have the right to change your mind at any such time that your mind changes. Nowhere is it written that other people need to understand or approve of your new direction. Nor is justification a necessary prerequisite for walking a new path. As R&;B singer Bobby Brown once famously said “it’s my prerogative” and that’s all the rationalization you need.
You win even if you fail.
Failure is nothing more than discovering of what works and what does not work. Coming up short in one situation can give you the knowledge to go the distance in another.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You are not your mistakes. No need to wear mis-steps like a scarlet letter, or frequent reminder of past follies. No person is mistake-free and each one presents an opportunity for learning and progression. Einstein said “a person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new”. Instead of spending inordinate time stewing on past errors, consider the innumerable decisions you made which turned out fine. Write a list of them if you need to, the point is to recognize that throughout your life you have demonstrated an ability to help yourself. Now is the time to be your own best friend. This includes engaging in thoughts which promote self-acceptance, patience and understanding.
There is no mistake that cannot be overcome.
You can become so worried about making mistakes that you stop trusting yourself which prevents you from moving on with life. It may involve goal reformulation to make them more consistent with current options. No matter the difficulties you face, you have the ability to overcome any adversity.
You can choose to forgive.
Forgiveness is another gift you can exercise at your discretion. I am specifically referring to forgiving yourself and letting go of self-deprecatory ideas which damage self-esteem.
“The importance of forgiveness is for you-for your own healing, health and wellbeing.” By releasing the shackles of irrational self-punishment your spirit becomes liberated and allows you to immerse more fully in future endeavors.
No one does it like you.
You are singular in your skill set.
Your passions
Your interests
Your creativity
Your beliefs
There is no need to replicate someone else. You owe it to yourself to manifest your individuality.
Ask not what people can do for you, ask what you can do for yourself.
It’s true that you are not alone, that each of us endures varying degrees of suffering. However, it is also true that self-reliance is among your boldest assets. Keep in mind that the smallest gesture aimed at enhancing your self-care, can make all the difference.
Your feelings are infectious.
Confidence is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Holding yourself in the highest regard will prompt those around you to do the same. Before you know it, you will be enveloped by internal and external affirmation.
Photo: Flickr/Syahmir