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…
(Originally posted in June, 2013.)
{ 34 comments… add one }
Twitter: sojossojourns
August 18, 2014
Love this! I wish everyone (myself included), would replace one ingrained negative thought with a beautiful empowering one. A positive for a negative each day. I think this shift would be life altering.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 18, 2014
What a great idea! I agree, it would be life altering.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
Twitter: a
August 18, 2014
Laurel, super idea! It would affect people from all walks of life! Being vision- and hearing-impaired, I definitely know what it’s like to doubt myself and think I am not “enough.” But I consciously try to change the script of my life to meet that belief. I matter and I make a difference. =)
Amy
Amy Bovaird recently posted… Take Your Dreams Out of the Closet
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 18, 2014
Great attitude, Amy! We all need to remind ourselves of that.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 42
In motherhood, I find the negative beliefs I have about myself are even harder to combat at times than ever before. Without thinking about it, I get up and try over and over and over every minute of every day, while still holding those untrue beliefs.
This is a great reminder to not only keep going, keep trying, but to actually think positively about myself in the midst of it!
Life Breath Present recently posted… Gratitude Linkup – Week of 8/17/14
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 18, 2014
I can only imagine what a challenge that would be.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
I Guess I would be a more happy and daring person. The reversal in thinking process would do us good once in a while
Rajlakshmi recently posted… 8 Travel Postcards from Sydney
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 18, 2014
I think so too.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
Twitter: BatteredHope
August 18, 2014
So many of these thoughts are a result of influences. Influences of past relationships, jobs, business and….. depending on how many we have had to encounter. The more negative influences we have been around, the more difficult it is to think positive — but it is not impossible and we should pat ourselves on the back when we win over the negativity. I work hard every day at saying I CAN, I WILL.
Carol Graham recently posted… Forgive them? Are You Crazy?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 18, 2014
Very true, Carol. And sometimes it can be very hard work.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
yep!
I’ll try. That’s where to start.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 19, 2014
It’s as good a place as any!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
Twitter: vidyasury
August 19, 2014
Powerful questions, Laurel.
In fact, over a decade ago, I was encouraged by my Mom to ask myself these questions, along with what I would do if I’d knew I’d absolutely not fail. I was at a major crossroads in my life, a little frustrated, confused and rather clueless about what to do. Taking stock of myself at that time was the best thing I ever did for myself. And it was also the most courageous. I am enjoying the rewards today, because even though the journey was not always smooth, the effort was always worth it.
I think this is one of your best posts ever! (and that’s a pretty tough choice for me, you know?)
Vidya Sury recently posted… Krishna Janmashtami
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 19, 2014
Love this, Vidya. Your Mom is a wise woman! And thank you for the compliment.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
Twitter: WalkerThornton
August 19, 2014
Love the idea of rewriting our self-image. For me this new phase of life is all about showing up authentically….
Walker Thornton recently posted… Q&A- I Want Him to Have the Desire
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 19, 2014
Sounds like a great approach.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Some questions on self-image
These are some pretty big “what ifs.”
I sure am glad none of them apply to me…
Whew!
Myke Todd recently posted… Free Wally Peppers
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
Must be nice, Myke!
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
I always think of the line from ‘Pretty Woman’, “The bad things are easier to believe.” This post today is simple and inspirational. Perfect!
Diane recently posted… Who You Gonna Call?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
Thank you, Diane. That line is sometimes all too true, sadly.
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Twitter: shyvish
August 19, 2014
I consciously do this all the time! I keep saying, Maybe there’s a reason this happened, so let me not despair, but try again.
Shailaja V recently posted… The Last Straw
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
Excellent attitude, I’d say!
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Love this. Rings so true too much negative talk goes on inside our minds. Focus on the positive
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
It really does sometimes, doesn’t it?
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Twitter: itsaboutpretty
August 19, 2014
It is so much easier said than done. For so many of us, shedding the negative is a difficult thing to do. It is almost like there is comfort and it is easier in thinking we are less than. It is a daily battle for me to truly believe I am worthy.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
I totally hear you, Mary. And you’re right – it’s definitely a lot easier said than done, especially some days! But I think it’s a good reminder.
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Twitter: luxganzon
August 20, 2014
i love this!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 20, 2014
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Twitter: nabanita21
August 21, 2014
I think that would be the day I’d be able to overcome many obstacles…
nabanita recently posted… Sailing through with Sheer Willpower
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 21, 2014
I think it would be the same for me!
Laurel Regan recently posted… World Organ Donation Day: Are you registered as an organ donor? Are you SURE?
Twitter: ellytreehugger
August 22, 2014
Great questions Laurel! I think I – we generally – tend to be harsh(er) on myself/ourselves at times.
elly stornebrink recently posted… Middle Child: You ARE Special! Today’s Your Day!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 22, 2014
I think you’re right, Elly.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Architecture
I’ve been wanting to do a blog overhaul for ages, but the ‘can’t’ always held me back. But now, I’ve decided to just dive in!! Nothing like an ‘I’ll try’ to shake off all that self doubt!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 24, 2014
Excellent! Good luck – you can totally do it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… That ship has NOT sailed!
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