As we enjoy our life journey, some of us realize that we would prefer to have greater belief in our loving nature, our own abilities, greater confidence.
In fact, for some of us, when we listen to a “motivational speaker” telling us we can do anything, we can feel more depressed and have an impulse to shut off that person really quickly. The words “Get away from me” come to mind. 😊
For others, the journey of feeling better about ourselves is well underway. We’ve made much progress. And still there are moments when we hear in our heads, “No way I could ever do that.” “I would screw that up” “I am lazy bum!” At times these thoughts come right out of our mouths—oops—even though we don’t want to be thinking them.
Whether just beginning or well along on the path, we can be comforted to know we have access to simple remedy. All we have to do is reach for a thought that feels better –as we can.
If right now we are feeling totally miserable, best to distract ourselves with something enjoyable. Allow the process of life to work its magic. A walk? A delicious meal? Watch a movie? Ride a horse, play a round of golf. Go to bed for a night’s sleep.
Next morning when feeling fresher we could then list some things, people, places that we appreciate. Wow so easily we can begin an upward movement of thought.
A Peek into One Life
Ernetta wanted a deeper belief in herself for sure. Yes in her past she had listened to an inspirational speaker and at times cringed. On some occasions E had heard voices speaking in her head saying, ‘You couldn’t possibly follow that guidance: this is beyond you. You are not good enough.” She felt depressed and as though the message came from a distant location, across a great chasm.
Silver lining: this heroine affirmed she was embarking on this change. For starters, Ernetta noticed, “I do know how this is making me feel. I am awake to that. And that is a good thing. 😊
Ah ha! E had retained the tip to tune into some fun. She went about enjoying something in her life. As she recognized the inner message as a habit of thought, more and more our star recognized those self put-downs as untrue. Ernetta recalled that most of us have habits of thought that don’t work for us. “ Hey, “ she regaled, “I am a human and as I shift I grow new neural pathways.”
Waking with a light of a new morning, Ernetta asked her dear self, “What can I appreciate right now? What is going well?
She continued, “Gosh I love gardening. Let me go out and view my flowers. I love this pink petunia. And I love how gorgeous were the blooms of these plants last year. I tended to them and they did well.
I enjoy my gardening friends and their plants stories. You know I have extras of this herb—I bet my friend Sandy would like some.
Hey I am feeling better. I am launched on my path. This is already raising my self esteem. This bit this morning counts!”
More Able
Another good day and E was able to list some of her specific attributes and abilities. This dear woman thought, “I am steady and reliable. I love using color. I did well in school. Once I lived through giving a speech to 600 conference participants.”
Habits of thought take some focus to shift and much repetition. Each day we reach to feel better we are creating a better life and nurturing fertile soil for more success.
Letting new ideas flow easily (morning is often good), reach for feeling a bit better, use appreciation of anything. Then as we get on a roll, we notice what we value in ourselves, we recall appreciations we have received from others, we have more fun.
We might think, “I love my dog. I wash my dishes and cheer up a friend on the phone. I loan my neighbor a shovel and in many ways express my affection in many gestures.”
Getting on a Roll
The more we feel good, the more we respect ourselves and others. The more we see Good in around and through our life 😊 Isn’t it fun to perceive the vast contribution made by small steps to feel better, increments to build a renewed and grander self-image.
Simple and powerful. We are eager to hear your tales of “small steps” you have taken and how you shifted your habit of thought about you. Please share in the comments.
About the Author
Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. These posts demonstrate everyday applications of the path to greater self knowledge and mastery. Opportunities for greater empowerment abound in the moments of our lives. As we all go for operating from a centered and loving space, we are creating a world where peace can prevail. In her forty-six year journey of self-discovery, Janet has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes, Inayat Khan and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.