When you look in the mirror, who do you see? What is your first observation? Is it a judgment? Have you labeled yourself? Are your thoughts about physical appearance? Or do you look deeper? Who is in that mirror staring back at you? Is your perception of the reflection authentic?
In our U.S. culture, we have been so obsessed with appearance, that substance has been largely overlooked, not just in human physical beauty but in what we look like “on paper” too. People spend thousands of dollars in improving appearances: from expensive makeup and anti-aging formulas and plastic surgery to correct the slightest imperfection to professional resume writers, marketing gurus, or biographers to enhance how others perceive us.
There is this well accepted lie that if others see us as valuable, then we will see ourselves that way. In actuality, the opposite is true. When we understand our value and live out our highest and best contribution to the world, our confidence in ourselves builds trust with others. To build confidence in yourself, the first step is to get real with who you are, and what you have been.
Take a few minutes and write down anything that comes to mind to answer the questions:
- Who and I?
- Who have I been?
- What are my accomplishments?
- What and I still learning?
Be objective and note what objections or fears you “hear”. Remember, there is no judgment in any of these statements. What IS, simply IS. We cannot go back and change the past, nor would we want to! It makes us who we are.
Processing the voices (either real or imagines) is easier once the judgment is removed. We still need to process through those objections and fears.
What keeps you from stepping into your highest and greatest contribution?
How can I help you in your journey?
Here’s an example for me:
I am a:
- Flower-child
- Mom
- Wife
- LaLa (grandmother)
- Sister
- Daughter
- Friend
I have been a:
- Personality and Host (formerly on radio)
- Peace-nik (too young to be a hippie, although I was a member of the Youth International Party for a few months, just long enough to cause some raised eyebrows and added questions for my security clearance)
- Investigator
- Clown
- Florist
- Pizza maker
- Waitress
- Bartender
- Set designer
- Makeup artist
I have also been a:
- Singer
- Songwriter
- Worship leader
- Intercessory missionary
- Audio production director
- Maid
- Personal chef
- Conference speaker
- Preacher
- Health coach
- Educator of young and old alike.
I have stood up and closed down 3 companies and am principally involved with 3 others currently.
I am a student of herbalism, coaching, business, philosophy, and life. AND I can marry you and bury you, legally, in the state of Virginia!
I’ve been busy. LOL