I remember the first time I let fear overcome me. I was trying out for the All Star Cheer Squad. I had been cheering for about six years prior to this. I didn’t take gymnastics like many of my friends so tumbling wasn’t really my thing. It was my turn and I wanted to do a cartwheel. I hadn’t quite perfected it, but it was decent enough to get me through try outs.
As I ran down the gym floor and attempted this great feat I fell.... flat on my back. I hurt myself badly too, but not as bad as I hurt my pride! You know what happened that day? I let fear make me believe that I couldn’t do it. I let fear make me think I wasn’t deserving of my spot on the team. I let fear AND comparison make me think that I wasn’t as good as the other people trying out for the team.
It was that day that mediocrity began to rule my life. It was also the day that slinking into the background and covering up my shine made me more comfortable than standing out. I continued to react this way and operate in this mindset for about twenty more years!!!
Fast forward to TODAY! Today I woke up with purpose. I began my day with gratitude for the space I take up. I also am thankful for being DIFFERENT and proud of the fact that there is no one else like me!
If you're not waking up like this (with the exception of the occasional “rough day”) then it’s time to examine why. You are meant for so much more than the crazy things you tell yourself. Did you know that we have told ourselves how to “be” since we were old enough to understand what others said about us?
You know that phrase “what someone else thinks about me is none of my business”? What if EVERY.SINGLE.DAY you woke up and believed that! Do you know how much extra noise would be eliminated from your life? Think about how far you could get in 30 days, six months, even a whole year if you believed this and applied it every day!
It has taken me twenty years, supportive friends, and MANY wrong decisions to finally be comfortable in my skin. I love the woman I’m becoming. I love the life I’m building. -BUT- I must align my thoughts and patterns each morning to match the things I want. I cannot slip back into negative self talk, worrying about other people’s thoughts, or damaging behaviors that keep me down.
If you’re struggling with this or becoming who you are meant to be take a moment to center yourself. Close your eyes and visualize what it is you want. Think about how you will get there and who you will be when you do. One of the best quotes I’ve heard regarding making these big changes is, “Don’t worry about what needs to be done. Think about who you have to be in order to get it done”.
Let’s go seize the day y’all!
—Liv
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