"You will know the truth and the truth will make you free..." John 8:32
Our thoughts have tremendous power... We often wish that we could choose words, thoughts and actions that set our minds free from defeat and failure yet, at times, we find a way back to self-defeating behavior and thoughts that undermine even our best intentions. Recently, I found myself introducing an old friend to a new friend and I was selling us all short...
Why? Because I sang their praises to each other and when they sang mine back, I immediately swatted it like a fly; "Oh, not old me, I'm just...." We need to receive praise as much as we give it and the poem below is a great reminder that we all can achieve our best if only we stop back-handing our accomplishments. What do you do when you catch yourself swatting a compliment?
As moms, we have a tremendous responsibility for nurturing the bodies and minds of our kids and that demands a level of self-confidence; an assurance that even though we might do things differently from Suzi, our decisions are best for our kids. We must realize that a positive state of mind has an impact on our children and we gain personal victory from choosing to shift our thinking and our actions... How do you remind yourself to honor the beautiful butterfly that you truly are?
Positive Kismet | Think Victory: We Have the Freedom to Choose http://t.co/wTTsVUnOR1
— E. Obih-Frank (@positive_kismet) July 6, 2014I find that prayerful affirmations are a wonderful way to re-program the way we think about ourselves and others and they are also helpful for centering us on what matters. For instance, the beautiful prayer Psalm 23 starts with a supreme affirmation ... "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want..." We can try simpler ones or even songs that affirm us and our spirit like "I'm Every Woman..." I know that when I am feeling irritated, there are songs and special chants or words that help my spirit soar. What are some of yours? What do you think of the poem below...?
The Victor
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
By C.W. Longenecker
After reading the poem a few times, I was reminded that we have the power to shift our thinking and adopt a positive mental attitude - PMA. The truth is that we must give ourselves ample permission to receive praise as readily as we give it. Why? Because we are worthy and that belief must begin in our own minds and in our homes. This is about self love... Hugs to you, and you and you!
PHOTO CREDITS:
Picture by D. Forbes via FreeDownload
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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ReplyDeleteThere is definitely a theme going on this week about accepting compliments! Jen Gresh @ everyday bright, and Jill @ scarymommy had different takes, but similar message. We, as women, tend to often feel 'less than' and in reality we are all pretty amazing! I'm still working on just the simple, Thank You, when complimented... harder than it seems.
ReplyDeleteLove the poem and believe it to be true!
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ReplyDeleteWe always have the choice to pick what's positive over the negative stuff. I could somehow relate to what you wrote. I had one of the worst weeks ever last week, but I found productive ways to counter all the unpleasant stuff that were being thrown my way. Also, somewhere along the way ... I discovered the beauty of Yoga. Good post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I really need to start saying this over and over to myself as well.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of not being able to accept compliments. I'm not sure why but I am very uncomfortable when people compliment me. The quotes are very true, sometimes your attitude has a LOT to do with the outcome.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want is a great affirmation. I have used it in times of distress. I also say, be in the moment as usually when I stress about something, it's something that has happened or I think is going to happen, but currently, I am okay. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful message all should consider.
ReplyDeleteI totally do this. I downplay my own successes a lot, or even try to avoid talking about them. I don't know why. I used to like all the attention. But not anymore.
ReplyDeletethose were soul uplifting thoughts, and yes, I've read this poem before, and it's beautiful beyond words..
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I used to be the queen of comment swatting, but I've gotten a lot better at it in my old age. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us we have the freedom to choose. I sometimes forget in all of the distractions of the world
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful poem Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think positive thinking does a lot in life, if you dont believe in yourself then half battle is lost
ReplyDeleteGreat poem! And so true! We have the freedom to choose, and I choose the joy :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right... I do swat away compliments. I hadn't really thought about it but I either downplay it or loop someone else in to share credit. Thanks for the reminder that it's OK to just accept the compliment.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!! we always have a choice. To see something as half empty or half full
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem. The picture you chose to go along with it is nice as well! =]
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring post. I also like that poem. Makes me think that I can do whatever I want just think of positive things and always put your feet on the ground.
ReplyDeleteHi thanks for the post. It is so nice we have the freedom to choose. well stated.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice topic.I try to always think positive.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post. I think everyone can use more self confidence.
ReplyDeleteI need to remind myself of things like this more often than i do.
ReplyDeletevery nice post. i am before afraid of things and think less than more of my self but then I tried accepting them one by one and now I am free
ReplyDeleteRemaining positive is a very important attribute that can be passed to children but is often hard to maintain.
ReplyDeletei love the poem. its very inspiring and its makes me feel so good and positive after i read it. its a must read for everyone who need a little hope in life.
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