We all doubt ourselves at times, especially when transformations come into play (and things are constantly changing!) There
are countless times when I have deprived myself of genuine expression, and still counting unfortunately.
The only person who holds me back is myself. It's a work in progress but what I can say is that I've become more self aware, over the years, of when those toxic disruptions arise. By strengthening my self awareness I can pull myself back from those disruptions with more ease and return to full capacity of self belief and move forward with a stronger mindset to create and ask for what I need.
Just as we learned to doubt ourselves over the course of our lives, we can also learn to re-frame our thoughts and embrace what we really want, what we have to offer and most importantly to know our worth. Patience and practice are always a virtue!
With that, comes vulnerability. Facing the underlying fears that we truly struggle with. 'Will I be accepted?' 'Will people like my ideas and/or creation?' 'Who am I to offer X, Y, or Z?' or 'Am I ready for this?'
In the words of the great Brene Brown, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
This can be a scary place, the releasing of what others think or say, the desire to place blame and judgement, and leaning in on your truth. You must take responsibility of where you stand and allow your unique creativity to come through. It's A LOT! I totally get it. Coming from a past where I was super afraid of not being liked or accepted. It's not an easy thing to do and it can bring up a lot of uneasy feelings.
First thing first, simply become aware of it.
Taking small steps towards vulnerability is a good way to approach your fears, especially if you struggle with a lot of anxiety or feel that you are super sensitive to the outside world. Just noticing when you start to d
oubt yourself can help you embrace it a little more each time. Once you get a little more familiar with your thought patterns around this, you can then start to ask yourself this question. "why am I really doubting myself right now?"
With this question, you can begin to understand where your fear truly lies. This is where things can get a little difficult. Your mind will want to protect you and keep you in the space where you feel most safe, and prevent the feelings and emotions that are necessary where vulnerability is concerned. You want to go there! Allowing yourself to feel what you're really afraid of is part of the journey to releasing it so that you can begin to embrace your true self, put yourself out there without fear and create the change you want.
Keep a journal
It's always a good idea to journal your thoughts and explore the feelings that surface when you start to doubt yours
elf. Whether you write them in a notebook or on your laptop, the act of writing it down and declaring what it is happening in your mind, and body, can help you recognize what you really need to focus on.
Journaling can bring you so much clarity. By actually seeing your thoughts, feelings and ideas on paper it can help you to brainstorm the opportunities and solutions that you wouldn't otherwise notice if you were to stay in your head. It will also help you to relax the mind and get OUT of your head so that you can move forward in a better state of mind. It can help you cultivate more peace.
I encourage you to give it a try for week! Here are some questions and prompts you might want to include;
I am doubting myself on (fill in the blank)
I'm feeling (anxious, overwhelmed, etc...) about this because... (what's the fear? and be honest, there's NO shame here)
How would I feel if I knew that I could do anything?
What do I need to do to feel worthy and confident? (what do you need to let go of?)
What can happen if you let go and express yourself?
I hope these prompts help you along your journey and please remember that you are worthy of all the things you want and desire. You just have to take the time to feel it, love it and believe it!
BIG hugs!
Angelic x