Today I was sitting and thinking. For once the guy with a unicorn on a stick looking out the window of his truck wasn’t over-thinking. I realized just how often when working on a project, crafting jewelry, writing a book, a song, many things, that I continuously seek someone’s opinion before finishing. I often totally change things based on those opinions. Yes, seeking opinions is often helpful. Too often I’ve let opinions stop me dead in my tracks. I have far too often given up my vision to someone who may not understand where it is going. Self-doubt has always been one of my two biggest mental problems.

Self-doubt for me, is often tied to the other, self-sabotage. At times, I’ve made big plans to do something. All kinds of epic adventures for charity, YouTube shows, other things. Things almost fully planned out. Tons of people told. Encouragement and skepticism received. Then came the self-doubt. Followed by the self-sabotage. Spending money on things that actually defeated my ability to do some of them. Letting fear tell me that if I attempted and failed at any of these things, then people would quit believing in me. So, I made excuses why I couldn’t or just quit talking about them. Which actually made some quit believing in me because I never did anything.

I’ve talked for so long about wanting to do a blog, I doubt many people figured I actually would. Then I made a friend. She was thinking about restarting her blog. I told her she should. Then, I made the “mistake” of saying I was thinking of starting one. We’ve both mutually encouraged each other to do our blogs and in essence be and/or believe in ourselves. So, she gave me the last nudge I needed.

Here I am now, writing my 3rd regular blog post. Learning more about believing in myself fully for the first time. It’s a process that’s only started. Just writing this blog into the public spaces has been cathartic. It’s opening my eyes to many things I’ve ignored for so long. Now it is time, for me to stand on my own. Succeeding, even when I may fail. I’ll always be happy for encouragement, praise and criticism, but I will follow my own path. Not one others tell me is safer. You should do the same!

How many of us truly believe in ourselves? How many of us let others define our worth and self? Have a beautiful day and believe in yourselves. You all are meant to shine!