I’m writing another blog post because the last one was depressing. I had read something that put me in a bad mood. I’ve let it go, and I don’t feel upset anymore. I don’t think people intentionally mean to hurt me. I’m a sensitive person. My reactions are my responsibility. Do I regret wearing my heart on my sleeve? No, I don’t. I’ve heard that our greatest strength is also our greatest weakness. For example, my attention to detail makes me organized; yet, it’s frustrating when I lose sight of the big picture.

Instead of seeking love, I need to be love and feel love for myself; otherwise, I will drain the other person. I need to stop putting people on pedestals; it doesn’t give them any room to move, and it isn’t accurate. We are all equals: equally flawed and equally fabulous. The media takes advantage of our insecurities and sells us things we don’t need. We start trying to impress others instead of ourselves. We stop listening to our truth and look outside for the answers. We forget that we already have the magic inside of us, and magic feels oh so good. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will be okay.

I noticed something, in the next to last blog post, I was actually quite happy and an interesting thing happened. I almost felt like I had to apologize for being happy. Like, how dare I be happy? If I’m happy, the other shoe will drop. I was hitting my happiness thresh hold. I used to think only certain people got to be happy, they had won some kind of lottery at birth which gave them the ability to easily smile whenever. I got my dad’s temperament, his grumpy genes, which means I have to work harder at cultivating a positive mood. My brother got my mom’s optimistic genes. Thank God my niece was born super cheerful; it will help her down the road dealing with life’s adversities.

Not that we should hide our sadness or cover up what we’re dealing with, that’s not therapeutic. But dwelling on the negative and getting pulled into a downward spiral isn’t good, either. I need to return to my affirmation practice. Even though it’s a daily practice, I don’t say them as often as I used to. I used to say them for survival, to prevent panic attacks, and to maintain my sanity. Now, they’re more like self-esteem work and for staying on track.

I also want to write a blog post that doesn’t talk about the book or the book fair, lol. The book will always be on my plate or at least the table. It’s hard to take something off the table when you’ve already put it there. I stand by my convictions, they are all that I have. I know what I know, and I feel what I feel. I can trust my intuition to guide me. I’m also going to call it “my adventure” not “my trip” because that implies stumbling and falling. Dear Goddess, I am going to soar! 🙂

Adventure update: I got the tablecloth, business card holder, poster board, and markers. I also got my placement. I’m sharing a booth with Susan, shout out to Susan if you’re reading this! She’s written a cookbook for cancer survivors. I think we’re well-matched and have important books to share. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great time!

I saw a really good quote on Twitter. “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on her own wings. Always believe in yourself.” I’m grateful that my friend didn’t rush to help me. In a sense, by not helping me, I was forced to help myself. It’s kinda like what my mom did. It isn’t easy to break free from codependency, but it’s necessary if I ever want to be independent, have true freedom, and feel confident in my abilities.

What are the benefits of having an affirmation practice? Improved self-esteem, focus, and awareness. Quiet mental chatter, aka the monkey mind. Make positive changes through visualization and manifestation. Heal old wounds and strengthen peace of mind. I think the best affirmations have a certain rhythm to them that makes them powerful. It’s easy to alter existing ones or create your own. What’s important is that they resonate with your mind, body, and spirit.

My favorite affirmations:

I am confident and capable. I am healthy and strong.

I am calm and relaxed. I am safe and protected.

Today is a new day, and I treat myself with loving kindness.

I am grateful for my many blessings, God is good.

I breathe in and all is well. I breathe out and all is well.

I am worthy, I am deserving, I am good enough.

I am beautiful. I am amazing. I am loved.

🙂 🙂 🙂

Have a good week,

Julie