Nothing.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. There's nothing to fix. You don't need to get better or become different. You're fine, just as you are. You know all you need to know, and you have all the answers. And you can overcome the obstacles in your way.
But you argue with these statements because you forget who you are and then stop remembering that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Just who is this "who you are"? You're the one who hears what I'm saying, and who knows I'm telling the truth about you. If you're a Christian, Jew or Muslim, you probably know this as your soul, as a Buddhist it's your Buddha nature, and as a Hindu you may call it Atman. Whatever your belief, you recognize it as that core place of inner strength and wisdom that you reach for, at times when you're challenged or want to take care of others who need you.
The problem is that being out of touch with this self puts the obstacles in charge, stops you from showing up as that person as frequently as you'd like. For example, I've had the hardest time writing this article -- just couldn't get my head around it although it's been on my mind for a long time. Instead of just doing it, I've procrastinated, put less important tasks ahead of it and become an email idiot. What drove this stupidity was that I'd lost confidence in my ability to say what I wanted to say on this subject. Such a waste of time and energy. Sound familiar?
Why we forget who we are
The source of the problem is that we vacillate between two life pursuits in life. The first is motivated by the need to prove ourselves, to be good enough -- and dare I say it, feed our ego. In this pursuit, most of our attention is on ourselves: How am I doing, what can I do to look good to others?
The other pursuit is fueled by a passion to make the best use of the gifts we have. As we spend more time on this path, we become more in touch with who we are, and our personal power is released to make a difference wherever we see an opportunity to do so. Or as Mahatma Gandhi put it... "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Yet we seem to be wired to give more credence to the negative than the positive. For example, it's so easy to believe the negative messages on the news as well as our own negative thoughts about ourselves. How true do you believe these statements to be?
- "The recession isn't going to be over for a long time."
- "Wars are inevitable."
- "I'll never be wealthy."
- "I don't have what it takes to make a really big difference."
- "It's too late for me."
Chances are there are at least two of these statements about which you have little doubt -- most likely because you have evidence to prove they are true. That's what we do when we're stuck in "Life Pursuit 1" -- we gather limiting beliefs about ourselves and then watch for evidence to prove our theories. And sadly, it shows up.
Now how about these statements:
- "With the increasing consciousness in our world, we're heading for a time of peace."
- "We needed the recession to learn our lessons, and we're now on the way to a recovery."
- "Whatever I do makes a difference."
- "I can make my biggest dreams come true."
Invest in yourself
The secret is simple. Start putting more energy into believing in statements such as the last ones. Every time you catch yourself in a negative spiral, shift to a positive thought about yourself or your environment, and then start looking for evidence to prove the positive theory.
For years Tim and I have played the money game although at times it was ludicrous to do so, given the hopeless situations we've been in. But regardless of circumstances, we eventually wake up, shift our focus in a more positive direction and start watching for "money miracles." Everything counts -- from finding a dollar on the sidewalk, to a tax refund, to the latest, which arrived just yesterday. I found out that a year ago I'd paid for an internet hosting service I never used, and now I'm due $83.76. It all counts, it's easy, it's fun and it works.
Every one of us has the potential to make wonderful things happen, regardless of what we're facing. It's in every one of us -- today is the one day you have. Watch this beautiful video where Louie Schwartzberg shares what this truth means to him -- inspiring, I promise -- starting with an introduction from a young girl, sharing her wisdom.
What's Next?
Thanks to those of you who have written to join in this journey of personal transformation. Here are a few of your responses:
- "I am still working on who I am and why I am here. When I am on the purpose line of why I am here, I do the least damage and contribute what I am here to offer."
The next article in this series is called "Personal Transformation: Personal Responsibility."
As a partner on this journey, please share your answer to this question:
What are you doing to invest in yourself?
Write your response below this article on The Huffington Post. Or I'd love to hear from you directly at jinny@bestyearyet.com.
For more by Jinny Ditzler, click here.
For more on emotional wellness, click here.