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Sidelines

18 Sep

When we go to an event and aren’t performing, we sit on the sidelines.  It’s fun to be observers of things we enjoy and sitting on the sidelines watching can be gratifying and exciting.  In our lives we have countless opportunities to join into different activities and decisions.  Sometimes we may sit back and watch as things progress but other times it’s important to be involved.  If we are unsure about what will happen or feel concerned about the outcome, we may decide to sit it out, simply choosing to wait and see what happens.  For some situations that may work but if we don’t participate and our voice isn’t heard we will have no influence over what comes.  If the issue is very important to us, stepping back and letting things simply roll out as they will may not bring us the results we’re hoping for.  We know what we want and the only way to ensure the road goes to the destination we desire is to be involved.  The sidelines are great when the show doesn’t involve us but in our personal lives, allowing others to make decisions that impact us and not speaking up will never take us where we want to go.  We are wise enough to know the way forward, and strong enough to do what it takes to get there.  Our lives belong to us and allowing someone else to decide what they’ll look like will never bring us happiness.  We know what we want and what we need, and have all the power and control necessary to make it happen.

When we have someone in our lives who has a forceful and strong personality and they disagree with the decisions we make we may find ourselves acquiescing to their opinions even we want to do something else.  It may seem easier just to agree with them than try to make them understand our point of view.  The first time it may seem like no big deal, and then the second time comes, and then the third and before we know it we may find we’re in a pattern of doing everything they suggest without questioning.  Even if someone strongly disagrees with us, we can do things our way.  We don’t have to explain our point of view, we don’t need permission, and everyone doesn’t have to agree.  We know who we are and what we want, and we can forge our own path regardless of the opinions of others.

Sitting on the sidelines when there are complex issues to solve may be easier than getting involved and being part of the decisions going forward.  If we don’t voice our opinion, nobody can disagree.  If we don’t give a suggestion, nobody can ignore it.  But everyone has something to share and we all have a perspective with valuable insights.  The way we see things is unique and worthwhile, and sharing it with others will bring us great growth and satisfaction.  We are powerful and wise, and the world needs our input.  We are brave enough to join in, speak our minds, and share in the experience.

Today if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines and not joining in with the issues around you, speak up.  You insights are unique and your opinion is valuable.  Be confident.  You can change the world by sharing who you are.  You have so much to offer and we all need to hear your perspective.

Night and Day

12 Sep

We will all face hard days as we navigate through our lives. There may be dark nights that keep us awake with concern and worry as we face problems and difficulties that confuse or confound us. Life can be complicated and there will be times when all of us will face complex issues that make our lives worrisome. We may feel lost trying to overcome what lies before us. In the small hours of the night as we lie awake pondering our situation we may feel hopeless and overwhelmed. We may believe we will never find the answers and we will fall, unable to stand. But no night lasts forever and no matter how long the night may be, the day will rise and we will have another opportunity to begin again. Even if we can’t count on anything else, we can count on the sun rising again and the start of a new day. Each day brings with it new opportunities and interactions with others, and we will find the answers we seek. There is no problem too complex for us to unravel and no matter how arduous the journey, we will find our way through. If we feel lost, we can seek help from others. If we need advice, we can request it. Everyone has trouble from time to time and we can draw on the strength of others until we feel sure. Every answer we need is available to us and we will find the direction forward. We can be confident and trust in our ability to find our way with strength and courage. There is greatness within us and we can reach for it and rise.

It’s easier to manage problems when they come one at a time. We have the space to review them and take them apart to find the way forward. But sometimes an avalanche of trials may present all at once. It’s far more difficult when there are many things that need our attention and we are pulled in many directions to solve more than one issue. It may feel like there is too much to face and we may be overwhelmed. We can step back and look at the situation objectively and take it apart one piece at a time. We have all the wisdom and knowledge we need to solve any problem and there is nothing we can’t accomplish.

Sometimes we may get a lot of suggestions or advice about an issue we’re working on. If we want the help we may be grateful but there may be times when we need to do things our own way. We already know where we want to go and what we need to do. We have everything necessary to succeed and we can do it in ways that work best for us. We don’t have to do things the way others think we should. We can choose our own path and find the way forward. Success is always there for us and we will find it.

Today if you’re worried and concerned about a serious issue and don’t know how to move forward, step back and look at the situation objectively. The answers are already there for you. Be open to all the options available and you will find your way through. Every night ends and brings a new day. Be confident and trust in your wisdom. You have everything you need to succeed and you will win.

Unbelievable

6 Sep

We make millions of decisions as we go through our lives and the choices we make reflect who we are.  We can say anything and the real testimony of our character is evident in the decisions we make as we move along.  If we continually make commitments we don’t meet or promises we don’t keep it will be hard for others to trust us.  If we continually break our word, over time our word will become meaningless.  It’s easy to go along and say we’ll do something we have no intention of doing just to get through a sticky situation.  And we can make all the promises we want to others to make them happy even when we know we’ll never follow through.  Words are cheap and we can say anything.  The true test of who we are comes after we speak and commit.  If we follow through and keep our word we will gain the respect and trust of those around us.  If we renege or back out of our promises, our word will mean nothing.  We will become unbelievable and others will understand they cannot trust us.  Personal character is defined by the choices we make every day.  When we step up and do what we’ve agreed to we become trustworthy and valiant.  Our personal relationships are built on trust and once destroyed, is difficult to restore.  Every choice we make is important.  Every time we give our word we put our trust on the line.  We can choose to follow through and if we do, our connections to those around us will be strengthened.  We can make any decisions we like and have any kind of life we choose.  Learning to be truthful and trustworthy will help us avoid confusion and disharmony and bring us happiness.

Some people struggle with honesty.  They may manipulate situations to make them appear different than they really are and say things they don’t mean to get through a hard issue.  If we skate through a problem pushing off our responsibility and saying whatever is needed to move forward we may damage our credibility with those around us.  There is no problem too difficult for us to face honestly and find a way through.  We can be truthful and only make commitments we intend to keep to resolve any issue before us.

We may face very complicated and difficult situations are we navigate through our lives.  We don’t always have all the information we need to make the best choices but we can use what we have and determine the best way ahead.  If things change we can modify our course.  If we are honest in our decisions we will find our way.  Making an honest mistake will not reflect negatively on our character.  If we do the best we can we will find the way forward and succeed.

Today if you’re facing a difficult issue and are tempted to say anything just to get through, reach higher and navigate the situation honestly and openly.  You have everything you need to conquer any problem and others will trust you when you choose well.  You are wise and competent and know the way forward.  Make the best choices you can today and they will bring you blessings tomorrow.

Crushed

5 Sep

Every person who comes into our lives has some impact on us. Our close relationships carry a lot of influence and when things are going well we feel embellished and positive, and find pleasure in our interactions. If someone we care about or admire greatly says something that hurts us deeply we may feel crushed. Even if their comments are made in passing and nobody else notices, if they are hurtful enough we may feel devastated. It’s hard to hear critical words from those we love and admire. Everyone is different and we all have ideas about how things should be and what is right. We may make what we feel is an innocent comment to someone else but what they hear may be something entirely different. Words can hurt and they can change our perspective of everything. If we are on the receiving end of a painful comment we may feel confused and concerned about our relationship going forward. Being crushed by something said can pierce our confidence and make us feel small. But feelings lag behind our intellect and if we give ourselves a little time to catch up we can manage the situation and correct our thinking. We are strong and capable, and even if someone disagrees with us, even if they think we’re lost, we know what to do. Words can be painful but they can be overcome. We can hold onto our strength and trust in our wisdom to find our way through. There isn’t anything we can’t do and do well. We can walk right through any crushing disappointment to the success waiting on the other side.

Some people are highly critical and there are thousands of reasons why people do what they do. We don’t have to understand why someone criticizes us but it is important to find an effective way to navigate their behavior. We don’t have to internalize every criticism that comes. We can listen, offer a polite and confident response, and move on. We can control our own actions and set an example for patience and tolerance while still requiring respect in our interactions.

Personal confidence doesn’t happen overnight. We grow more confident every time we make a good decision and choose the direction that takes us where we want to go. There are countless options available to us all the time. If we decide to always choose the best road forward and determine to always make the best decisions possible, our confidence will grow and will create a shield around us that will help us navigate even the most difficult situations. We are intelligent, strong, and wise. We know what we want and we know how to get it. Each day we choose well and each decision we make wisely will bring us the confidence we need to live successfully and happily.

Today if someone has said something that has cut you deeply and you are doubting yourself, remember you are strong and capable, and can do anything you desire. You have everything you need to be completely happy. Shake off the disappointment, trust in your abilities, and move forward with confidence. There isn’t anything too difficult or complex for you, and every destination you desire is within your reach.

One Turn and Another

29 Aug

When things go wrong we sometimes face heartbreak and disappointment. If we think all is going well and then discover everything we imagine is wrong we may face serious discouragement. Sometimes we don’t know the whole story and may get lost thinking we’re on one road when in actuality we’re going a completely different direction. If we’re in a personal relationship that feels secure, and then discover we’re not on solid ground at all, we may take a tumble. The sands may slip beneath our feet, and we may lose our confidence that we can find our way through. It’s difficult to navigate unknown territory and we may feel we’re in a foreign place that is unsteady and unsure. Disappointment and heartbreak are hard to overcome. They may make us doubt our ability to discern truth and find our way forward. We can’t know what we don’t know. Sometimes facts arise that change our perspective completely and clarify our situation suddenly in unsettling ways. If we want to be successful in anything we must know the truth of the situation. Truth will bring happiness in the end but when it rises if we’ve been deceived about what is real it may take time to realign our direction and refocus on the way forward. We can overcome anything and there isn’t a situation too strong or difficult for us to manage. We can take the time we need to see things clearly and determine which way to go. Heartbreak cannot stop us. Disappointment cannot deter us. We are strong and capable, and will prevail.

Serious personal setbacks can be very painful. No matter how hard we try to move ahead, our disappointment and sorrow may linger for a time. We may think about all the decisions that brought us here, the influences we believed in, and consider all the choices we made. Learning from past mistakes and taking the time to look at everything will teach us more about ourselves and help us succeed in the future. We learn as we go and if we take our lessons forward we have the best chance of success. We can turn our direction and then if needed, turn again. We will find the best road forward and we will succeed.

Personal heartbreak can be extraordinarily difficult to overcome. If our tender feelings have been broken and we feel defeated we can take the time we need to heal before choosing the next step. There is no rush to move forward. We can step back and take a breath. As we pause and rest, and allow our minds to settle, all the options available will rise and we will begin to see things clearly. We can do anything and go anywhere we desire. There is nothing strong enough to hold us down. Every challenge and trial gives us greater strength and wisdom, and we will find the best road forward.

Today if you’ve been hurt and feel heartbroken over a difficult situation and aren’t sure you can continue, think about all the times you’ve managed trials before. You are stronger than you realize and have everything you need already to prevail. Take a breath and begin again. The world is there for you and you can do anything. Step forward. The road is ready and will take you anywhere you desire.