Give Yourself Credit

Have you ever gotten hung up on a song that you can’t get out of your head until you take a nap or go to sleep for the night? The tune penetrates the mind on an unshakeable level, making it almost impossible to break its presence.  Unfortunately our repetitive thoughts are not much different... 

Like a song stuck in the mind the same 50- 60,000 thoughts we thought yesterday loop over and over making it difficult, maybe impossible,  for new and wonderful things to show up in our experience. As our thought process repeats we etch into our lives  patterns, behaviors and habits  that recreate  old worn out experiences, denying us the excitement of exploration and new possibilities .  

Life is a cacophony of good and bad experience. Who we’ve become has been  influenced by our various families and upbringing.    Our parents regurgitated what they learned from their parents and so forth down the line, applying little thought to what might inhibit us from the freedom of self expression, acceptance, approval and love.  In many cases encouragement to embrace the unique qualities of self and hone them into a life that feels fulfilling and joyous were sadly neglected.  Of course our families did the best they could with what they knew at the time, so it is with gratitude and grace that we leave the past behind and set forth for an empowering future. 

Today holds the opportunity to begin the shift into a bright and joyous tomorrow. When we are willing to  view  self in a positive light we can and will focus on who we are rather than  who we are not.   The decision to cast away the fear of change is key to opening new doors... For in truth there are only two emotions, fear and love, so it is up to each individual to decide which one he or she will live in. 

As we develop and embrace self acceptance, magic happens. We realize how good we are, exactly as we are, and become sure that what others do or have is perfect for them  freeing us from the curse of judgement and comparison.  A new way of  thinking sets in guiding us to  focus our thoughts on the things that make us happy and a sense of purpose emerges. Over time this  comes more easily and we begin to habituate healthier thoughts and behaviors.  My experience has been exactly that.  I’ve learned that in every case  looking beyond myself at the abilities and talents, treasures and positions of others, left me feeling completely inadequate. It wasn’t until I realized that there is always going to be someone  smarter, more confident, successful, focused, and powerful that I set myself free to be me. I now understand so clearly that I can’t do any one else’s life but my own and when I accept where and who I am, I flourish. There is a freedom that comes with self acceptance that is barely explainable, but it feels as if permission has been granted to go it my way, that what has been done isn’t the only way available and that I have much to contribute through my unique point of view...  Now I can enjoy and celebrate the successes of others feeling nothing but joy for them relinquishing any idea of lack in my experience. The anvil of jealousy and envy are untethered and the ability to be content is prominent. A lack of self criticism and judgement has allowed me to understand that here in lies the essence of why we feel the need to criticize others... It always comes from wrong thinking, mostly about self, as it is reflected outwardly. 

As in all other aspects of life,  it is a baby step process... Catching oneself in the act of negative self talk and comparison  is a conscious effort. As we begin to retrain the thought process our lives  shift. It can be likened to beginning a new kind of work out... we train and build our  muscles, pushing through discomfort only to return and repeat the same process until finally strength, endurance and stability are borne. 

All in all, the good news is that as we make these shifts within our lives, not only do we benefit but it spills forth into our families , friends, communities, towns and eventually into our world raising the consciousness of society by being a people who are willing to embrace self with a spirit of love and gratitude for all we are. 

Empowering Tip:  Give yourself credit as you move through the day, moment by moment creating new nourishing thoughts about self, rebuilding your life one step at a time. Life is a culmination of single moments and each one counts, is irreplaceable  and important. Start small and stick to a diet of thoughts free from self criticism and judgement, complaints and negativity. You deserve nothing less.... 

The decision is ultimately ours to live in Pity or Power... what will it be? We can only be in one. 

Life is a journey, not a destination. 

Feel free to post your questions and comments, find me on FB or email me at MasYoga108@ gmail.com .  I look forward to hearing from you. Remember we are all on this journey growing and learning as we go, so your input will bring enlightenment to many. 

In Power, Peace & Love, 

Mary Ann

Make Today Great.......