“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream…not only plan, but also believe.” Anatole France-
I think one of the most important things we can do in life is to be aware of our words. Words can be so impactful on others and also on our selves…What we say matters, and no you do not want to go around editing yourself all the time because you do want to be authentic. However what you say to yourself and others can be either encouraging or discouraging and can stop your progress, and your words to others can stop theirs.
Here is an example of something that happened to me. I put off taking art lessons for years, and then I met a great artist who encouraged me to join her class. I honestly did not think that was my talent although I was hoping it was. This wonderful lady artist was such a great teacher and so encouraging that people thought that I had been painting for years, and I had offers to buy my works of art. People were impressed because they said watercolor was the hardest media to do. Since I had not tried any other form of art, I didn’t know that “fact”…..
I also had invited a friend, who did other forms of painting using oil and acrylic, to join the class. She had graduated with a degree in art, but she had never done watercolor and was happy that I had invited her to join in.
To make a long story short, my instructor was such an excellent teacher that I became a great artist. Unfortunately, this stressed out my art-major friend, who told me I had no right to be that good because, after all, she was the art major. My friend does amazing art, and I have praised her openly and praised her to mutual friends in her presence. Now the sad thing is I quit taking art lessons because my friend was upset with me. By the time I realized that I should not let others dictate my life, my art instructor had moved out of state.
The lesson in all of this is not to let anyone squash your dreams with their disapproving remarks. And please don’t be the one that tramples on other’s dreams and aspirations. It is important that you love and respect yourself and not listen to the naysayers; and it is important to be kind and encouraging to others.
Anytime you try to do something worthwhile, you will always find opposition …do it anyway.
Cynthia Kersey, a beautiful soul and fellow author, whom I met years ago at a conference where she was one of the main speakers, said: “Be Unstoppable.” Unstoppable is the title of her book, which I love.
No matter what you are working on to accomplish, don’t let the insecurities and negativities of others stop you. Don’t live a life of “if only” or “I should have” or “I wish I had,” and regrets. It is better to try something and fail than to not try at all.
We are not placed on this earth for a mediocre life, so forget about the naysayers and go after your dreams and Embrace all of Your beautiful Enoughness.
Love & Blessings
Rosemary Evans
www.teenywings.com