Unapologetically Real 27

Believe in Yourself

Believing in oneself is a game-changer.

Take it from someone who knows.

For many years my self-esteem was in the toilet, ready to be flushed.

“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.

Believe in yourself, your abilities and your own potential. Never let self-doubt hold you captive. You are worthy of all that you dream of and hope for.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

My self-doubt set the course for much of my adult life…

I judged myself by looks, body type, past experiences, and any number of negative affirmations my brain was replaying like a broken record.

I used to accept every criticism as fact without looking at the intent of the person who was speaking.

I used to think that I had to welcome judgement as opportunities for self-improvement.

I used to accept condemnation without question.

“When they judge you, yawn.
When they misunderstand you, smile.
When they underestimate you, laugh.
When they condemn you, ignore.
When they envy you, rejoice.
When they oppose you, prevail.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

As my strongest supporters (Grandparents, Mom and Dad, Larry, my Aunt), those people who I could rely on for encouragement left the land of the living, my self-esteem sank lower and lower.

The problem with hanging my self-esteem hat on the opinions of others was that when they were gone I had to dig deep inside myself and find my inner cheerleader.

I had to face the stark realization that

I was the only person who was going to

stand up for me,

believe in me, and

love me for who I am.

“When there is nothing left to believe in
I still have faith in me;
In the way I could survive it all,
The way I could get out of bed each morning no matter how terrible my nights have been,
And in the way my dear I could always stand so tall and so strong no matter how many hands have left me, even when I needed them the most.
I will always have faith in the woman I am becoming, because she is the bravest of all whom I’ve know …”

― Samiha Totanji

Finding my self-respect and belief in myself broke negative cycles in my life and erased thought patterns that allowed me to think that I wasn’t valuable enough to live.

“Sometimes when we think it’s the end of the road, Is when we learn to fly.”
― Mimi Novic, Brilliance of Dawn

My perceived end of the road

led to a journey

of self-realization and joy.

“You doubt your value. Don’t run from who you are.”

― C.S Lewis

Believing that I am who I was always meant to be

created in the image of G-d

fearfully and wonderfully made

and loved beyond words,

empowered me,

expanded my reality,

lightened my soul,

and opened doors for my future.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14

This is my mantra, for the sub-optimal days that still pop up on occasion:

“I will give thanks and be grateful for every breath that I take.”

“Each new breath is an opportunity to try again
Don’t hide from life.
Whatever happens we are far greater than any problem that we are facing.

Look around you,
You see the sky, the flowers, the beauty, the people, absolutely everything around you
Is showing you that you are still alive,
And that you are still needed here.”
― Mimi Novic, Your Light Is The Key

I am who I am

I am fearfully and wonderfully made

I am a badass

and

I am beautiful.

So are you.

XO Lisa ❤️ living a gratitude filled life!