“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” ~ Denis Waitley
When it comes to change or taking a chance for something in your life, do you find yourself pausing or second-guessing…
“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.“
Do you find change, even positive, awesome, this is going to be fantastic change, to never be quite easy? Do you feel like you’re holding yourself back from things, things that could have you living your best life while being your best you? Yeah, me too and way too much at that. Guess what though, there is a reason and something you can do about it!
Odds are fairly good what’s holding you back isn’t who you are, it’s who you think you are not. That’s right, you’re probably stopping yourself because you’re thinking “that’s not who I am.” or “I’m not the kind of person who does this, that, or whatever.”. Why is that? And how do you know that you are not that if you’ve never tried to be that?!
I have frequently held myself back from doing things because I’d think to myself “Oh, that’s not for me.” or “I can’t do that.” or even “I wouldn’t know where to start or what to do.”. It sounds so ridiculous when I stop and reflect on it. I mean, who knows exactly what to do or how to do something the first time they try? And how would I know what is for me or not if I don’t test it out? The short answer is I don’t! I’m limiting myself by thinking this is who I am, and by saying I’m not this person who would do this (whatever this may happen to be).
It is purposely limiting thinking, thinking that I was taught by society from the start, meant to keep me small and in my place. We have all been conditioned this way. Told to fit into our “place” and to not be different – different is bad. And so we hold ourselves back, not because of who we are, but because of who we think we are not. I know that I tend to think I’m not an adventurous person. That I’m not special or talented enough (for what exactly is still unknown to me). But it’s not true. I am adventurous, but in my own way. Just like I’m talented and special in my own, unique ways. By thinking and defining myself by things I’m not, I only limit my abilities and I miss out on so much.
It’s almost crazy to think about it – so many of us hold ourselves back because we have put limits and definitions on ourselves that are not necessarily the truth, and we forget that nothing is absolute. We can constantly define and redefine ourselves, but only if we don’t hold ourselves back and only if we are willing to let go of thinking of what we are not. You are only what you allow yourself to be, and darling, you are held back by only the limits you set for yourself. Let go and try – I’m going to do my best to, so why not join me?
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
~ Check my Instagram on Mondays for Inspirational quotes and every day for a little jolt of happiness!
Lawhimsy 
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