What do you do when life brings you to your knees? What do you do when there are roadblocks in your way? What do you do when all you want to do is ball up in a corner and cry? Speaking life into yourself is an important part of being an Unaverage Woman!
Many times, we look for affirmation from others on how we look, how we are doing as a mom or at our jobs, and how we are managing our life. One of the most important places to find that encouragement is from within. Being a working woman is hard. There is no way around that fact. Our lives are consumed with way more responsibilities to juggle than most men. Finding ways to stay positive and encouraged can sometimes be challenging and downright difficult. However, encouraging yourself – telling yourself you got this should be a daily activity. If this is not easy for you, I want to give you some ideas on how to start.
Let me start by saying I have not always practiced this habit. It is easy to get caught up in the myth of being a “superwoman” and trying to please everybody all the time. This often leads to judging yourself when you miss the mark. I was my own worst critic and would stay up late trying to do and be better at cleaning my house or getting my kids things together. However, this is not healthy and counterproductive to be an unaverage woman. You are a work in progress and the goal is not to be perfect or super. Give yourself some grace. You are worthy of celebrating, even in your imperfections.
Do you want to start encouraging yourself daily? Here are some easy ways to start:
Create a Mantra. A mantra is a positive statement or slogan that you use to encourage yourself. It can be something you have heard or something you make up. It just needs to represent how you want to live your life. Take some time and think what your personal mantra will be. My personal mantra is on the home page: No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else by P.T. Barnum. I want to go to the beat of my own drum and forge my path.
Start a Positivity Journal. A journal is such a good way to get all your feelings out. I love journaling and I have ones for different things. Now you don’t have to do all that, but don’t make this a sad journal or a journal where you bash yourself. Your journal should include one positive thing that happened each day and one thing that you grateful for from the day. Incorporating this into your life, will change your thoughts. Before you know it, your entries will flow freely, and you will feel encouraged and thankful for the ups and the downs.
Encouraging Quotes and Scriptures. I have a list of encouraging quotes and scriptures that I go to whenever I need some inspiration. Reading them aloud often lifts my spirits. I also put the ones I like the most near my bed and in my office as reminders to always be encouraged. This week I sent out 10 of my favorite encouraging quotes in our weekly newsletter.
Inspirational Music. Music stimulates the brain to release dopamine, which regulates motivation. It is a powerful tool to use to encourage yourself. I love listening to uplifting music on especially busy, hectic days. It helps me get through the tasks easier. Make a playlist of songs that inspire you and play them throughout your day or when you are getting ready in the morning. You can have your own private praise party to start your day.
Do not have to wait for someone else to encourage you and lift your spirits. True happiness comes from within. It is vital to feed your soul and mind positive thoughts every day. Be Encouraged working mom or single working woman. You are enough. You are smart and resourceful. You got this. Start your daily encouragement journey today!