Many people feel that they have no joy in their life.
They feel obligated to do so many things that they don’t have time for
themselves and the things they really want to do. As a result, they feel drained, anxious, and resentful. With so many
outside forces competing for their time, energy and financial resources,
is it really any wonder they feel this way?
So what do we do? How can we remain balanced among this sea of obligations and commitments? The answer is to live consciously. By looking at each decision we are
making and by asking ourselves, “Is this really what I want to be
doing? Is this really what is right for me?” And then by making sure our
actions stay in alignment with our true intentions. Saying yes when we mean no often causes us not to trust ourselves. It damages our confidence and lowers our self-esteem. So why do we do it?
From a young age, we are conditioned to act in certain ways in order
to feel loved and accepted. This is the beginning of our loss of
personal power and authenticity. In order to create change we will need to recondition our beliefs by discovering what is really true for us. These are the questions to ask oneself to become aware of any patterns
and beliefs that no longer work. Once you become aware of these
beliefs, you can simply begin to consciously change them.
Ask yourself: “Why am I doing this? Is it because…”
- I will feel guilty if I don’t?
- Everyone else is doing it, so I should too?
- I want others to think I am a nice person?
- I want to feel accepted?
- I don’t feel good enough about myself to do what is really right for me?
- I have trouble saying “no” or being myself around certain people?
If you have said “yes” to any of the above questions you are cheating
yourself out of the things that bring you happiness and joy! The next time you hear yourself saying, I love to garden…but I don’t have time or I love to golf…but I’m too busy
remember you can choose differently. You can choose to believe you are
valuable; what is right for you does matter, and that your happiness is a
priority.
Your life is the culmination of each decision you make every moment (whether you are aware of what you are choosing or not).
Begin to understand the intention behind every action you take and
make a conscious decision to do only what is right for you. Gather the
courage each moment and say “no” to anything or anyone that doesn’t
allow you to be yourself, or to live in alignment with your dreams. What will you choose? Will you choose to stay in power by acting with
the knowledge that you are responsible for every action in your life?
Or will you continue to give your power away in order to feel valued and
accepted in the eyes of another?
The choice is yours.
Author and Source: Carol Stansfield, Tiny Buddha.com