You are as amazing as you let yourself be. Let me repeat that. You are as amazing as you let yourself be. ~Elizabeth Alraune
As I always say, You are amazing and beautiful just as you are; no changes required!
So why is it we have such a hard time believing it? There are so many messages out there telling how we should be, should look in order to be popular or even acceptable. It’s hard not to pay attention when we’re inundated with messages from media, family, friends, work and even strangers day in day out.
For many of us getting over these messages is a life long battle. Even the confident have days (or months) of feeling less than fabulous about themselves.
I’ve recently been having a long struggle with my feelings of adequacy around my business. Thankfully I have friends and supporters who are there as sounding boards, to pick my butt up off the floor and give me a gentle shove. It hasn’t been easy and yet I keep going, looking for the lion in the mirror instead of the scared tabby.
What it boils down to is being willing to see the good rather than what we may deem inadequate. Change how you see, not how you look. This applies to who you are as much as it does to how you look. Rather than beating yourself up for what’s not working, for what you have challenges with; celebrate what you can do, what you’re great at, the successes you’ve had and how far you’ve come on your journey.
- Celebrate your successes. Dance, press and easy button, look yourself in the mirror and say “good job”.
- Reflect on your progress. On a regular basis, at least once a quarter, look back at what you’ve accomplished so you don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate how far you’ve come.
- Accept compliments graciously. Nothing changes our perception of ourselves faster than seeing ourselves through the eyes of those who love and believe in us.
- Support others. Be the champion of those you love and build them up. This will build your love of self at the same time.
- Challenge yourself. Do something on a regular basis that scares you to build your confidence.
Having a low opinion of yourself is not “modesty”. It’s self-destruction. Holding your uniqueness in high regard is not “egotism”. It’s a necessary precondition to happiness and success. ~Bobbe Sommer
Today is a wonderful day for self esteem. My friend, Kelly Falardeau, has published a new book called Self Esteem Doesn’t Come In A Bottle. I had the
privelage of contributing to the book as well. Kelly is a burn survivor who speaks on similar topics as I do and has an incredible story of self acceptance and survival due to her injuries at a very early age. This book contains many tips on building your esteem in a healthy, supportive manner. Interested in knowing more? You can learn more and pick up Kelly’s book here.
You have a lion inside you. A beautiful, strong lion who loves others as much as itself. A lion who knows how to look after itself in order to look after others. You have a special lion gift to share with the world, little tabby. Are you willing to let it loose?
We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar
You are amazing and beautiful just as you are – do you believe it yet?
Be Beautiful, Be YOU!
Hugs, Christie
www.thebadkitty.com