Courage is fear that has said its prayers. -- Dorothy Bernard
No one of us is always courageous. With trepidation we embark on many journeys. Fear is dispelled each time we rely on our inner strength and trust that our lives are in good hands.
Self-talk is powerful and will prepare us to meet whatever lies ahead today. Self-talk is like prayer and quiets our fears, making it possible to give our full attention to the events transpiring. Self-talk, when positive, cultivates a healthy self-image, one that offers security, even in the face of disaster. We all carry on a dialogue with ourselves much of the time. Taking charge of the messages - making sure they enhance our personal well being - is an option always available to us.
No situation is more than we can handle. Whatever courage or strength is needed is as close as our willingness to go within, to commune with ourselves.
I must own my fears before I can let them go. Courage follows closely on their departing footsteps.
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
My self-talk hasn't been too positive--especially for the last several months. I am trying to work on thinking more positively about myself. I had someone I was talking to yesterday tell me to stop talking bad about myself. She was telling me what I needed to do, changes I needed to make, and I thought I was being agreeable...saying that yes I know I am too sensitive, not praying enough, doing this or that enough, etc. I didn't even realize these were putdowns. She said I was feeling sorry for myself and into my own self-pity. I felt emotions like anger, humiliation, embarrassment arising in me. I thought here I am already depressed and the nerve she has of taking my inventory. So I was beating myself up more that I didn't "stand up for myself" long after we ended our conversation. More negative self-talk.
It was later in the day that I realized that she was exactly right. Although during our talk, I felt like I was about five years old again, I later realized that I really needed someone to "fuss" at me. If I am not doing what I should be doing I am like a little kid who needs someone who knows more about staying sober to tell me what to do. The woman really did me a favor. And I am grateful that there are folks who care enough about me to try and help me break a bad habit of talking badly about myself which I have not been able to do on my own.
I think you will find that most people are genuinely trying to help us with no thoughts of getting anything in return ... but many times we don't hear what they are saying and think they are 'taking our inventory' when they should be minding their own business ... when all they are trying to do is point us in the right direction ... the lady you refer to above sounds like she knows you quite well ... I think I'd listen to what she has to say ...
Let's not forget, I have 'fused' at you in our private conversations, LOL ... so maybe this is telling you something??? ... personally, I think your 'service work' has been top notch ... far beyond your average member, and when the few that started throwing criticisms your way, that's when, like me in the past, we start thinking we just don't 'get it', and we start making mountains out of grains of sand ... and then the self degradation begins ...
Hey, just lighten up and allow others to help ... you don't have to 'do it all' by yourself and then get down on yourself when things don't work out ... ... ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
