XXV - The Power is Yours

"You know you'd be really good at {fill in the blank}."

"Hmmm I think you'll be better at {fill in the blank}."

"Why don't you look at more options?"

"I don't think that will suit you."

"Oh don't get {fill in the blank}, its not really worth it."

"Don't get a {fill in the blank} you won't be able to take care of it."

These are just some of the things that you've probably had someone or the other say to you. Discouraging statements, which may have been rooted in good intentions, but which still some how find a way of making you doubt yourself and slowly, unconsciously, cloud your self-image in negativity. 

For a very long time, probably around the last years of school, it felt like most of the world was only out to question me. I slowly began to question everything about myself. From trying to understand myself I found myself completely over-thinking situations.

I remember a time when I could confidently jump into unknown situations and emerge more knowledgeable. When I didn't fear making a fool of myself, because most of the time I didn't even think of failure as an option. It never occurred to me. I never had all the answers, but I wasn't afraid to try it out anyway, and figure things out for myself. 

I still don't have all the answers, but recently I've stopped trying to find them. Life seems to have become a road map of obvious and very unappealing options. A step by step process which ultimately results in Death X _ X. An ordeal that one has to get through.

However, it doesn't have to be that way.

Take a step towards change.

I don't know who you are, where you are or what you're going through, but I know one thing - 

the Power is Yours!

This saying could not be more true. Turning things around is all in your hands.

Believe in yourself!!

Stop listening to advice from every single person you talk to.

Stop changing your mind over and over again. 

Stick to what you want to do and try to make it productive, rather than following the herd and running after anything and everything that others say will be "a good opportunity".

Make your own (informed) decisions. Look into it for yourself, research and then decide. Your decisions will, first and foremost, affect you. You can't spend the rest of your life blaming others for making a wrong decision for you.

Be strong. 

Perseverance is key.

I know a lot of what I've said is very cliched and may not strike a chord with everyone, so in conclusion what I have to say is that most of the problems we face is life is due to our own short comings. So just pause for a bit, take a deep breath and try to spend a few minutes everyday making yourself happy.

Be active.

Do what you love, even if its just for a few minutes.

Meditate.

Taking time out for yourself - doing things you like doing makes all the difference.

Love yourself.

The only person who's approval and love you need is your own. Once you understand this, things will get easier. Believe me. 

Love Thy Self. 

xoxox