Let This Be Your Story

(Photo Credit : AAKnopf)

They say we are what we tell ourselves we are. Such is the power of words. Especially the ones that we allow to speak to us and shape our minds.

Words have the power to bless or curse, to destroy and heal. Even the greatest teachers to ever have walked this earth acknowledged this truth.

However, though we manage perfectly to watch what we say to other people, too often, we fail to apply it when speaking to ourselves.

Let me tell you a story. If you've been reading my blog for about a year or so, this may already be old and too familiar, but just bear with me. (I'll try and see if I can get you a prize. heh)

Two years ago, right about the first quarter of 2010, I was in a very bad place. I just recently got out of what I knew even back then was a horrible relationship, that against all sound reasoning and even plainer common sense, I just didn't want to let go of.

I don't remember now how or when it happened, but there was a moment when I realized that it wasn't 'love' or even what little we shared together that was holding me back. It was myself. Specifically, the things I told myself whenever I got too close to the idea of closure (or the final nail in our romance's coffin as my 23 year old self will insist).

Questions like 'what if I never feel this way again?', 'what do I have to change?' 'what did I do wrong?', 'will someone else put up with me?' plagued my bruised heart for the longest time. Questions that stemmed from the stories I told myself about how I wasn't beautiful enough, caring enough, easy enough, and how that relationship was my one shot deal at romance. Beggars can't be choosers.

I'm at a safe distance now laughing at that pool of BS, but there was a moment that I was in there, drowning. I was paralyzed.

And that my friends is the anatomy of fear and I'd bet anyone that if you dissect the inner workings of your own fears you will find the limiting words you tell yourself right at the heart of it.
 
Luckily for us, our stories don't have to end there. The power of words to bless and build is also available to us.We just have to learn how to harness it. How? By choosing to tell ourselves a different story.

With that, I'll be the first to say that it won't be easy. Of course. Our fears didn't grow into monsters overnight, they grew from the seeds of doubt that we feed our hearts day in and day out. It's the same with building yourself up. You have to put in the work every single time. But trust me, there will come a day when it will come naturally to you, it will no longer feel like such a monumental effort.

Actually, why not start it now? Make that commitment to tell yourself a different story, beginning with these affirmations.

I am beautiful.
I am capable.
I am loved.
I can love.
I am enough.
I am worthy.

Go on. Try it. Let this be your story.