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Old Love Letters

20 Feb

Change is constant in life. We never know what each day will bring but one thing is certain, whatever we’re experiencing today will inevitably change. If the change is positive or something we’ve been striving for, when it finally occurs, we feel satisfaction and relief. But we don’t always welcome the developments that come and if they are hard or heartbreaking, it may take us some time to recover. It’s hard to let go of something we really want. We may hang onto the old feelings and try to find a way to revisit the way things used to be. Like taking old love letters out of a box and re-reading them, hoping to capture one more time the tender feelings that once enveloped us. Life is a great blessing, but it isn’t always easy.  Letting go of a dream is painful, and we may need time to consider everything that’s happened and find the way forward. How long that takes is different for everyone and every situation. We don’t need to rush through to the next thing in an effort to forget. We can take our time, learn everything possible from the experience, and then when we’re ready, step forward. Time is always on our side and with patience, and perseverance, we will begin again. We can manage anything that comes and have everything we need to push through any disappointment. There isn’t anything powerful enough to hold us down indefinitely. Every destination and goal are always possible and no matter what has happened in the past, we will succeed in the future. We can trust ourselves to overcome any disappointment and move forward with confidence. Our dreams are still there for us, and with determination we can make them come true.

Everyone’s needs and understanding are different. What comes easily for one may be very difficult for another. Some people are pragmatic and recover quickly when they face a big disappointment. Others are more sensitive and need more time to get back on their feet and start again. There are many ways to manage every situation and one person’s perspective doesn’t work for everyone. We can recognize our own personal needs and do things our own way. We can overcome anything and find our way ahead.

Disappointments can be difficult to manage, but they bring with them an optional view of what could happen next. When the road we’re on ends and we can’t move forward, we can look at all the options before us. We can do anything and go anywhere. The possibilities are limitless. We can choose another direction and begin toward a new goal. Our lives are always in our control and when one plan fails, we can start on another. Success is always there for us, and with determination and confidence, we’ll reach it.

Today if you’re getting over a big disappointment and aren’t sure what to do next, look around at everything possible. You are strong and capable, and nothing can hold you down. Take the time you need to reassess what you want, and then begin again. The whole world is there for you. Open a new door and step forward. All your dreams are possible, and you will succeed.

Owning It

15 Feb

Everyone has dreams and goals, and things they want to accomplish. Maybe we want to climb mountains or run marathons, maybe we want to write books and influence others, or maybe we just want to be happier. Whatever we desire is possible but it won’t happen just because we want it. There is no magic wand or genie who will appear to grant our wish. The only way to get what we want is to do what is needed to make it happen. If we want to climb mountains or run a marathon, we must put in the hours of physical training required. If we want to write a book we have to actually start typing, and if we want to be happier, we must determine what is holding us back and change our situation so we can move forward. It’s really a simple calculation – if you want to get to “B” you must go through “A” first. Choosing what we want and then pushing forward toward it will bring us success. When we look at our goals objectively it’s easy to see what needs to be done, but actually engaging and doing the work is a whole different story. We can set any goal we choose but if we want to accomplish it, we must do everything necessary to achieve it. Every dream is possible but nothing will change if all we do is dream. Imagine what our lives would be like if we were willing to do everything to make all our dreams come true. The confidence and satisfaction that come from achieving a long-desired goal brings great happiness. We deserve complete and abounding happiness. We can give it to ourselves by focusing on what we want most, and then doing what is needed to make it happen. We can focus on the road ahead and push through until we succeed. There isn’t anything we can’t do. Every destination and every goal are possible, and we can make them ours.

There are many reasons why we may not pursue something we want. It may take a lot of time, it might be difficult, it will change our lives, our families may not like it, we may have to change – the list is long and unending. If we want, we can live a mediocre existence, simply doing what is expected and going through the motions. But we own our choices and can go anywhere we desire. Deciding to create the lives we want the most will bring us the greatest happiness and fulfillment.

Fear of the unknown can be crippling. It can hold us in place even if where we are isn’t comfortable. We can’t see what lies ahead and there will always be some risk when we step out of our routine and choose something more. We may face challenges, but we are intelligent and capable, and even if we get tangled up, can find our way through. There are endless roads to every destination, and if one doesn’t work, we can step on another. Every goal is possible, and we have all the wisdom and courage to make our dreams come true.

Today if you’ve been dreaming of something more and want to change your life, look ahead and choose the path that will take you there. You are amazing and nothing is out of reach. Believe in yourself and step forward. Make the choices that will open all the doors. You can go anywhere and have the life you desire. Nothing can keep you from success. Start today. All your dreams are possible, and you will have them.

Personal Time

13 Feb

We make many decisions every day. Some are easy, but others are more complex and can be quite difficult. If we must make a decision in a hurry our judgement may be impacted, and we might miss possible complications that may result. If there are others around us pressing us to agree with them, they may insist we don’t need to think about anything. They’ve already looked at all the parameters, and we need only agree so the plan can move forward. When people are convinced they have the answers they can be very persuasive. If we buckle under the pressure and give in before we’ve had time to think, everything might be fine and go exactly as expected.  But if the situation fails because something was overlooked, we may become part of a mess we never planned on. We’re always in control of what we do and when we want or need time before making a decision, we can take it. Personal time to review everything is important and as we ponder our next steps, we can be open to inspiration and personal direction. Taking time to think before making an important decision will always work in our favor. It will allow us to examine any developments that may arise and give us time to be confident in the choice we’re making. There are few decisions that must be made immediately, and there will often be time to think before we choose. We can take the time we need to plan the way ahead. We can be wise and careful, and make decisions that will take us where we most want to go.

Trust is a valuable asset when dealing with others. If someone we trust asks us to do something we don’t feel comfortable with, we may agree because of our relationship with them. But trust is fragile and if something goes wrong or we find they weren’t completely honest, everything will change. We’re always entitled to our own personal reflection in every situation, and can take time to consider all options before deciding what works best going forward. We have all the insight and wisdom we need to make excellent choices that bring us the results we seek.

We live in a hurry up world. Time is always of the essence and we are often pressed to rush through one situation after another. There’s nothing wrong with accomplishing much but if we do things before we have time to think, chances are some of them will fail. If we don’t take the time we need for personal reflection, our decisions may be negatively impacted. We know what we want and we don’t have to be rushed to get it. We can take our time and choose carefully to ensure we create the lives we desire.

Today if you’re pressed to hurry through an important decision, step back for a moment and take the time you need to see all the possibilities going forward. You are wise and capable, and know how to choose well. Give yourself the personal time you need to make the best decisions you can. You are amazing and powerful, and have everything you need to succeed. Every destination is there for you. Choose wisely and move forward with confidence.

Snakes

8 Feb

There are all kinds of people in the world. Many are good, honest individuals who are helpful and kind, but there are some who are differently inclined. They may be hurtful and mean, and cause problems for those around them. When someone who is disruptive and hateful enters our lives, we may feel like we’ve fallen into a den of snakes, unable to escape. As we struggle through the conflict, we may try to avoid them as much as possible. We can’t control what anyone else does and if someone is determined to wreak havoc on us, we may not be able to stop them, and have no choice but to deal with it as it happens. They may say nasty things about us, make up stories that demean or disparage us, or try to alienate our friends and family. It’s upsetting to go through and even if we try to extricate ourselves from their focus, until they are ready to let us go, we may suffer. There is no way to know their motivations for causing others pain. Some people are unhappy and angry, and because misery loves company, instead of facing their problems and finding solutions to move forward, they may exercise their control by making those around them miserable. It’s a very uncomfortable situation to be in. We’re all accountable for the choices we make. Although we can’t stop anyone from hurting us, we can choose well ourselves. We can set the bar high by focusing on what is good and right, and continuing forward with honesty and integrity. Truth always rises and whatever negative things are said about us, or what is done to us, it will be offset by the excellent example we set.

When someone is hateful, it’s tempting to return back to them the same treatment. Fair is fair, right? Unfortunately, bowing down to their level to get back at them only proves we can be as low as they are. It’s easy to do and say nasty things, and it’s easy to be vengeful and mean. But choosing the better path and staying true to our high personal standards expresses our authenticity and gives us power. We can continue forward with confidence that truth will prevail and we will overcome.

It’s hard to fight a liar. If we try to expose their deception, they will simply lie again. One lie leads to another and we may be swept away as they create their own reality. We can remain still and stand strong despite the whirlwind of fiction surrounding us. We don’t need to defend ourselves when truth is on our side. We can be polite and firm, and confident and resilient, as we navigate our way through. Nothing can keep us from the values we set for ourselves, and we can be sure when we choose the right, in the end we will prevail.

Today if you’ve gotten tangled up with someone who is determined to undermine you through dishonesty and bad behavior, remember who you are. You have enough power to stand firm even in conflict. Hold fast to your excellent standards and set the bar high. Your virtue will overcome any falsehood or treachery. You are amazing and valiant, and nothing can hold you down.

The Missing Piece

7 Feb

It’s disappointing to do a jigsaw puzzle and get to the end only to discover we’ve lost a piece. Every piece is in place except one. No matter how many pieces fit into the design the last one missing ruins the picture. There’s a hole glaring at us that can’t be filled. It’s obvious and undeniable. In our lives there may be times when we feel insignificant, or that somehow, we don’t count or don’t matter. It can be hard to feel important, especially if we’re in a group of outspoken and powerful people. If we’re quiet and timid, we may drift into the background and all but disappear. But each of us is unique and offer gifts to the world nobody else can offer. Our lives matter, and are important. Each of us is like a piece of the puzzle. We’re all needed. If even one is missing, there will be a loss. Our voices are critical to the entire piece and even if they’re soft, we need to hear them. The world is huge, and can be overwhelming. There are billions of people, and we might feel there’s no way we could possibly make a difference. But each time we extend ourselves to help someone else, each time we speak up, and each time we step forward, we change the world around us. Like a pebble in a pond, our actions extend far beyond where we are and make the world a better place. Everything we do changes something. We can participate, be confident and share our thoughts and opinions. The world needs our ideas and we are integral to everything that’s happening. We can be confident we matter and remember our importance each day.

Every choice we make has a result. If we are kind and approachable, those around us will be more open and welcoming than if we are rude and aloof. A sealed box hides what’s inside until we open it. If we shut ourselves off from those around us, they will never know who we are or what we can offer. However, if we’re open and receptive to letting others in, we can build a great network of personal connections that can embellish and enhance our lives. We have so much to offer. Allowing others to share it will bring us satisfaction and happiness.

Small gestures of kindness and support can bring great results. A reassuring smile can help someone through a difficult day. If our attitude is one of friendship and understanding, we can bring great benefit to our lives and to those around us. Others will learn they can rely on us when they feel unsure and we’ll build a feeling of companionship and support. We’re all connected more deeply than we realize. We can be the one piece that turns everything around toward a happier and more complete result.

Today if you feel you’re insignificant and don’t count, remember your voice is a piece of the great puzzle. You are important and valued, and we all need you. Nobody can give the gifts you possess. Your voice is important and we want to hear it. You bring a unique and valuable perspective. Speak up and let us know who you are. The whole world is blessed because you are here.