Thursday, June 10, 2021
When was the last time you encouraged yourself? Learning to encourage yourself is not exactly the same as developing fearlessness. Fear can actually be a good thing for humans – keeping us out of harm’s way, when we’re in physical danger. While fearing a poisonous snake is a helpful tool for survival, fearing asking your boss for a raise, or fearing asking a potential mate on a date is a different matter altogether. When we fear making change, even though we know it’s necessary; when we fear asking for what we need, even if it means others are put second; and when we fear listening to our intuitive voice, we deny ourselves the opportunity to know who we really are. But humans are not very good at distinguishing between the kind of fear that is meant for survival, and the kind of “fear” that comes with the gloomy prediction of humiliation and shame. It’s time for some encouragement!
Do your thoughts, your actions, your words, and your energy reflect discouraging results in your life? Examine your vocabulary, as a place to start. Do you use phrases like, “I should,” “I can’t,” “That’s impossible,” “I never,” or “I have to.”? If you do, chances are you’re adding to your own discouragement – a dissuasion against what might be simply viewed as shame. Complaining is another way of fueling discouraging thoughts. On the other hand, you can use encouraging words like, “I can,” “I’m capable,” “Anything is possible,” “I am loving, lovable, and loved,” and “I am deserving.” Encouragement comes from the spirit, and discouragement comes from the limitations of the mind.
Do something or say something that encourages yourself, today! Listen carefully to your thoughts, to your words, and observe your actions. Are you contributing to the fearful? Or are you contributing to what’s possible? Encouragement is what’s needed on the planet – contribute to that energy, today. Push yourself towards what you want to see in your life – not more doubt – but more possibility. The victory of encouragement is knowing yourself more intimately, opening yourself up to what wonderful things you CAN do, and opening yourself up to what amazing things you CAN have. Why? Because you deserve it – we all do!