who's life are you living?

Do you ever stop and think about whose life you're actually living? How much of what you do or don't do is actually based on the words or opinions of others?

I have realized so many instances that I let someone else's words or actions become a part of my belief system. 

Reversing those belief systems and creating new ones - or going back to the original where you know who you are and why you rock - is life-changing! 

I am NOT unique in having these experiences. We all have them. Figuring out what the defining moments or situations were that caused you to play small and think differently of yourself is a HUGE first step in deleting those negative tapes in your mind.

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I have always been super introverted. Give me my couple of people to do life with, and I am all set! Because of this, I was called stuck up and a bitch growing up. I began to wonder if I was and questioned what was wrong with me that I didn't want to be with all the people all the time. I had no idea what that was about growing up, and that I simply didn't get energy from others, but from within myself. Alone time is crucial for me every single day. It's not you, it's me. 

I am, by nature, a positive, happy person. I remember walking around with a smile and a laugh ready to go. I was called a "bimbo" or "ditzy" for having that smile on my face. Nevermind my straight A's. Guess who stopped smiling so much? Truth? I'm smart, happy, and positive. If you don't get that... I'll be over here smiling. 

I am a quiet, peaceful person by nature (unless you *really* know me - then you know I'm goofy and loud), but there were a few instances growing up where my value-system was pressed and I stood my ground and used my big girl words. I can throw down some words with passion and power when I need to and it has never ceased to shock/scare off the people who had those words coming their way. There have been times I have kept quiet though, even when I wanted to speak out, because of fear of judgment or making others uncomfortable.#shrinkingsucks 

I never *ever* wanted to be popular, and lost a few friends who were on a mission to do whatever it took to join the "in" crowd. They starved themselves and worked out incessantly all summer before HS to feel accepted by the cool kids. I had zero interest in that kind of conditional acceptance or the insecure backstabbing I saw going on. I was told I thought I was better than everyone else. The truth was, I had healthy boundaries set in place for myself, and questioning those boundaries caused me to accept friendships over the years that were less than I deserved. 

Speaking of friendships, I had "friends" in HS who made it their mission to be "super nice" and just let me know what negative things others thought of me. > "It's a good thing your skin is all broken out, cause otherwise no one would like you. You'd be too perfect." > "You know everyone calls you a rich bitch driving around in that Lexus." > "Well, you're pretty and always smiling, so people think you're a bimbo. I mean, just letting you know." Good. ness. Basically, here's why you're great and everyone hates you for it. Enter a complex about being judged that continued into adulthood. Choose good friends, y'all. The ones that build you up. 

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TRUTH: I am a strong, kind, loving, positive, and worthy. 

These judgments may have defined me in the past, but only because I chose to let them. No more living someone else's life. 

Seriously, ask yourself what has happened to you or been said to you that made you shrink and act small. Let that go, affirm the truth and watch what happens in your life! It's magic. 

Dare you to speak some truth over yourself in the comments!

#highfiveifyoureadallthis