It's almost the new year and the blog world is spilling at the seams with hopefulness. Honestly, it's hard as hell to not feel a teensey bit inspired (even for a jagged heart such as myself). So anyway, I know I've shared my creative goals for 2011 but today I thought I'd chat about something a bit more personal.
Often I find myself face to face with an ugly little monster called self doubt. Okay, well I'm sure we all do, but there's something about the experience that makes a person feel very alone. That's the thing about self doubt - it makes you question yourself and your talents, feel isolated, feel lost and and less than your peers.
Here's the thing - I can't make a New Years resolution that I'll just quit having these self doubting thoughts. It ain't realistic. I can't just snap my fingers and stop something like that. But how about this? How about calling bull shit? How about not buying into it? How about letting those seedy little thoughts just float on by and not allowing them to take root in my brain?
Instead, how about recognizing how far I've come creatively? How about looking ahead to the future and seeing absolute possibility? How about celebrating the freaking awesome place I'm in right now?
So as sappy as it sounds that's what 2011 is all about for me - learning to kick self doubt in the ass and start loving myself. And that's all I have to say about that.
Love your bones! Thanks for listening.
15 comments:
This is a lovely post, Chantilly. I love your honesty. One of the first things I went through with my psychologist (yes, I see a psychologist, no surprises there...) was self doubt and removing those negative thoughts. I wish I could say it worked, but I'd be lying. Sometimes though, if I'm already in the right frame of mind it really works. There's lots of steps, but I find the most effective is asking myself, 'so what?' Someone at the supermarket looked at me sideways and giggled to a friend. Even if they are laughing at me, which they probably aren't. So what? I'm an idiot for making these bags and no one is going to buy them. SO WHAT? I'm enjoying the process and that's the most important thing. It immediately calms me down, and I should probably get it tattooed on my hand so I never forget. I'm leaving a ridiculously long and personal comment that someone might read and judge me. SO WHAT!?
Ok, that's the end of my ridiculously long and personal comment/rant. You should love yourself, lady. Everyone else does.
I can do anything you can do; and so you give me hope, and you give me strength.
You are one of my most (positively) influential people. I love you, and I love this post.
That is all. For now.
I can totally identify with this--and I think lots of people will. Isn't it terrible how the little gremlins in our mind can keep us from doing the things that we want? I admire you for putting this out there. Focus on the positive--you have tons of it and are one impressive lady :)
Oh girl! I can relate to this!
Sounds like the PERFECT way to start off a brand new year!
You go with your bad self!!!
Happy New Year!
That's truly an excellent goal for the new year. Mine is modified a bit. I know I can't stop my self doubt and I don't have the time take strides to eliminate it: but I'll ignore it and keep going. I have too much to do to worry about it!
hey this post really was inspiring! and not in the silly sappy way that is all over the blogosphere right now, but truly inspiring. it is so easy to see all of the millions of areas where i fell short this year but YES, i too have come a long way. so thanks for the chin-up! i'm ready to think positively about next year.. get an extra box of bandaids for those times when i fall on my face.. and plow ahead. :)
here's to a great 2011, friend!! :D
love this post. you have inspired me and now I don't feel so alone. Cheers to an amazing new year with much confidence and creative boxing gloves.
Good for you! Glad you're celebrating your successes, because you rock! :)
That's awesome - good for you!
We all need to think like this! :)
yes! This is a great "resolution." My self-doubt could use a little beating, too.
2011 will have no idea what hit it across the head. Amazing post <3
This makes me think of that Love Actually quote "let's go get the shit kicked out of us by love" and I have no idea why. Ha...hope that wasn't too weird to say :) I like this post. Very much.
Great post :) Sometimes I have to just walk away from the computer because I cannot stop comparing myself to all the amazing talent out there. I go from being inspired to "I wish that entire series of paintings was created by me" back to inspired. It's a roller coaster. I love looking at other artists creations but have got to stop the comparing. Good luck to us both & everyone else w/ that wonderful issue :)
That's just what I was needing to hear. I think a dose of self-doubt must come as a side order to all who choose to stretch themselves and face the less than comfortable places in our hearts and lives. So I agree with you. There's no way I'll be able to avoid those nagging doubts and fears, but I can choose to ignore the pebbles and keep my eyes on the mountain of blessings in my life!
Post a Comment
Thank you so much for stopping by My Girl Thursday and taking the time to leave a comment. If you are leaving a question related to this post please be sure to check back in the next day or two for my response.
Also, please don't hesitate to leave your blog url in your comment. I would love to stop in and say howdy.
♥