Feeling the lack of encouragement or affirmation can often lead to self-doubt. Many times we, especially women, are looking to others for this emotional support in the form of compliments. One of my first lessons, was the importance of letting go of what others thought about me. Did it really matter if others liked my new hair color or the fact that I’d slimmed down a bit? Or was it more important that I liked it? And felt encouraged by my choices? Don’t get me wrong–compliments are wonderful; it’s the need for them that needs to be released.
Being lost in the need for the approval of others, can lead to dissatisfaction. This sounds like such as simple truth, but it can be a challenge. When I was looking for a pat-on-the-back for my professional contributions, all I noticed was my invisibility. Now that I have let go of the need to receive affirmation, I have found joy in my work and the simpleness of just being.
Opening Your Heart
As with many things in my path, I needed to open my heart-center; I needed to be free to be me. Tangled in my own web of deception, it felt like everyone was conspiring to ignore me. Really? Get over yourself. Why did I need everyone to approve my actions? Luckily, I knew I was capable of being happy, but somewhere along the line I lost my silly humor and double-dimpled smile. Being determined to find my way back, I acknowledged this simple truth and set my intentions to find “her.” It was affirmed; I am worthy.
Even with this intent, I needed to reprogram my thought process. Every day and several times throughout the day I repeated a personal affirmation. This was a helpful process that lightened the weight of self-doubt.
Affirmation:
I don’t have to prove myself to anyone anymore
I am free
to be me and enjoy it!
This affirmation was everywhere! My desk at work and at home, my bathroom mirror and my wallet. I was just short of posting it on my rearview mirror! Now, my affirmations come from me, and unsolicited from others. My heart is open, and others feel it. I am free.