At the start of this week my mind crept into self doubt:
Self doubt is another opportunity for observation into the areas of our life I often say are begging for our attention. It is a natural feeling and extremely human. So what do we do with it?
We acknowledge it, observe it, and allow it a voice. Understanding, it is likely a trigger from events in our lifetime so deeply rooted, doubt within is the only form it knows how to take. What we do not do is internalize it and claim it as fact. Truth be told, self doubt is downright uncomfortable.
Think for a moment, if self doubt were a guide to a better way of living, we would use it to learn from right? We would reach for it on the bookshelf, dust it off, and begin thumbing through the pages to figure out what we can do to get rid of it in order to feel whole. We would use it as a tool to better understand ourselves through the process whenever it arises.
Here is where faith in ourselves comes into play. [ctt template=”3″ link=”ef4qS” via=”no” ]Each time we are faced with an episode of self doubt, we have an opportunity to use it to our advantage.[/ctt] We get to choose how much power we allow it to have in our overall outlook on life. We get to decide if self doubt wins. Faith in the process says NO it does not. Believing in ourselves even when feeling inadequate, while continuing to push forward, will lead us to victory. Sweet moments in time where we feel the light of our efforts reflected on both ourselves and those around us.
The purpose of self doubt is to stabilize; give us a reason to wallow in spaces that no longer serve us. The beauty, we as humans are allowed to decide if stagnation is where we want to remain. When we learn to accept our self doubt as a tool to determine which course of action to take, it no longer has the power to keep us stuck in a position we have no desire to be in. Through prayer, meditation, patience, and understanding of who we are, we reach places within ourselves that know self doubt is a liar wrapped up in fear. Undoubtedly, the fear of failure. Even more deeply, the fear of failing ourselves. Disappointing ourselves disguised as our desire to uphold an image we’ve created to present to others. Authenticity requires us to observe our self doubt + name it + love it through the process of the moment we are currently in. Then, move forward.
There are many times throughout my life I felt as though I was not good enough for the things I’ve been striving towards. In spite of the moments I’ve felt in my past + in the current moments when self doubt shows up, it does not have to determine my next move. I continue to prove to myself that self doubt is not the one in control of my destiny. With every moment we choose to stomp on our self doubt, our ability to keep going becomes stronger with self doubt remaining a distant memory. In time, the episodes do become fewer and far between. I’ve learned to accept self doubt as a temporary feeling attached to lessons of self discovery.
Ask yourself what it is you are doubting? [ctt template=”3″ link=”ES9KZ” via=”no” ]Facing yourself is the first step in the process of self discovery.[/ctt] I won’t lie, it is not easy. More often than not, you will not like the answers. It is how we proceed with the answers that make all the difference in which direction we choose to take.
Sometimes, the answers aren’t immediate or even fully available to articulate right away, that’s okay. It’s easy to forget with any type of change it takes time and effort consistently to see results. Small victories should be acknowledged + rewarded. Give yourself a pat on the back each time you get through an episode of self doubt. Remind yourself you are doing the best you can and promise to continue to do so at every step of your journey. Each step is worthy of praise.
Think back to a time in your life when you refused to allow self doubt to win. Pull from that strength. If it feels necessary to take a moment to breathe and regroup, listen. When you are ready, resume.
Self doubt is as powerful as you allow it to be for the duration of its uninvited visits. You can open the door and wish it well until next time. It won’t be happy, but then again, neither will you if you allow it to outstay its welcome.
Are you ready to deliver self doubt its eviction papers?
