What if you suddenly discovered that some long-held, deeply ingrained, negative belief about yourself was a complete and utter lie?
What if for one moment you chose to see yourself the way others saw you, instead of through your own jaded, judgmental eyes and preconceived notions?
What if every time you were prepared to automatically say I can’t, you choked off those words and instead declared I’ll try?
How would it change your life?
Please share your thoughts…
{ 26 comments… add one }
Twitter: storeylinesblog
June 9, 2013
Yes!! I love this – so well said! – and I am working through the same transforming thought right now, too. Thank you, SO much, for starting up the Artist’s Way group. It was just what I needed, at this very time in my life. You’re awesome, Dawn! (And I love that photo of the mirror, too!)
Barbara Storey recently posted… Grand Obsessions: Life as a Fan
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
Thank you, Barbara, for being a part of the group! I’m glad it’s come at such a good time… love it when things work out that way.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: themhalf
June 9, 2013
Dawn, I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. We must be sharing brainwaves across the miles (kilometres :)). There is so much to say about looking those old beliefs right in the eye and saying “no more.”
This weekend, I’ve been struggling a bit with self-image. I saw a video of myself and did not like what I saw. Today while cleaning out my car, an employee at the car wash approached me to offer his assistance. He was very friendly and after I declined his help, he said “okay, I just wanted to tell you I think you’re really beautiful.”
Made my day.
Margi recently posted… More on Moore
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
What a wonderful – and timely – experience! That totally would have made my day as well… glad he was brave enough to speak up and say that. What a sweet thing.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: lampshade_days
June 9, 2013
It is absolutely easier said than done, but I would even go one step further and say, instead of “I’ll try”, say “I *can*.” As trite as it may sound, there is a lot to the theory that what you believe about yourself becomes true. I often reference running – my worst runs, or the ones I couldn’t finish (not due to injury) were the ones where I psyched myself out and told myself I couldn’t do it. It’s interesting what a powerful force the mind can be.
Kimberley recently posted… an uncertain peace with the rabbits
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
That’s very, very true! I think it all depends on the situation. Sometimes, taking the step from “I can’t” to “I can” feels huge and so we don’t bother… so perhaps an “I’ll try” might be a safe stepping-stone to “I can”.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: Joyce_Lansky
June 9, 2013
Attitude is everything.
Joyce recently posted… Treading the Off Beaten Path: The Waiter
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
Yes indeed!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
June 10, 2013
Great post! Negativity is self-defeating and don’t ever say “I can’t” unless you try first. Thanks for the reminder!
Debbie recently posted… #8Sunday WEEKEND WRITING WARRIORS; JUN. 9/13
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
You’re very welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: luv+
June 10, 2013
awesome post! no trying..just DO!!
thanks for sharing
Brenda Stevens recently posted… What if…death do us part aborts the living?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 10, 2013
You’re welcome!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: mjmjuneau
June 10, 2013
great photo, title, questions you manage to convey a essay worth of ideas with very few words- nice
melanie jean juneau recently posted… Remember: One Mud Bath Per Year
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 11, 2013
Thank you so much, Melanie!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: joheroux
June 12, 2013
Absolutely perfect!
“Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you are right.”~Henry Ford
And seeing me as others see me, that is kinda hard because from this side of my eyes I am only 35, maybe 40, then I look in the mirror and holy crapinoli! There stands an old woman looking out at me! But I’m usually okay with that, usually.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 12, 2013
Thanks, Jo – love that quote! And I’d be willing to bet that others see a youthful woman when they look at you, because your spirit and attitude come through.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Twitter: genepooldiva
June 13, 2013
The more stories I heard from other people’s childhood, the more I realized I was normal, then a funny thing happened. I morphed from shy to reserved to outgoing and I feel like I’ve earned a bit of insight along the way.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 13, 2013
I love that! Thank you for sharing!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Perfect. If we could only see ourselves through others eyes I i
think we would all be a little bit better toward each other.
Anna recently posted… What if…
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 14, 2013
I think you’re right!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
Working through this right now in my new job. Self-acceptance and a change in my own perception of myself really goes a long way.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 14, 2013
For sure! I wish you all the best in your new job.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
If I forced myself to say “I will try” instead of “I can’t” I would probably be a lot more adventurous and doing a lot more things. Wonderful thing to ponder. I personally need to try more!!
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Kathy recently posted… Those Beautiful Eyes
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 14, 2013
Me too, Kathy!
One simply worded request but one that would change my life completely. I’m going to think about that one. Thanks.
Amy McMunn Schindler recently posted… It Was Only A Little Nap–Yeesh!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
June 16, 2013
You’re most welcome.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Questions on creative self-confidence
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