Don’t Play Yourself

How many times have you second guessed yourself?  Or accepted less than you deserve?  Didn’t speak up for yourself?  Or even made yourself “smaller” to make others comfortable?  We all may have done something like that once or twice.  I tend to do it at job interviews because the spotlight is on me and I feel pressured to say or do the right thing.  I’ve also done it in past friendships and relationships - not speaking up for myself or sharing my truth when asked.  Or not demanding what I know I deserve just to save face and avoid rocking the boat.  Thank God for mental and chronological growth because in the words of Sweet Brown “ain’t nobody got time for that!”

Shrinking back or playing small can have negative effects on our self-esteem and self-worth if not checked.  It can become a pattern that causes us to believe that we are only worth what others are willing to give us.  These patterns breed people pleasers, overachievers, and doormats - desperately seeking approval, acceptance, and accolades from anyone.   Again I say, “ain’t nobody got time for that!”

Because the reality is that YOU determine your worth!   You do so by standing up for yourself.  You do so by taking care of yourself in the same way you would a loved one.  You do so by asking for what you want and nothing less.  You do so by believing YOU ARE ENOUGH just as you are.  Every time you operate in the belief that you are unique and deserving, you increase your self-esteem and deepen your sense of self-worth. 

Don’t down play the dope creature that you are…SHAKE THE ROOM!