Your Self-Image
Ironically, your self-image probably isn't something you created yourself. It's a patchwork affair made up of bits and pieces you've collected from lots of other people: family, teachers, religious leaders, your culture, and the media. Like donning clothing that's
Tailoring your self-image according to someone else's ideas usually results in unhappiness or frustration. If you see yourself in this picture, perhaps it's time to take a closer look at the person you think you are, the person you'd like to be, and where the ideas you hold about yourself came from.
“Think of yourself like this: There's a universal intelligence subsisting throughout nature inherent in every one of its manifestations. You are one of those manifestations. You are a piece of this universal intelligence — a slice of God.” — Dr. Wayne W. Dyer,
Because your mind is the architect of your reality, it's inevitable that your thoughts about yourself and what you deserve will generate material conditions that correspond to your ideas. Look at elements like your life situation, your finances, your job, your relationships, your position in your community, and your health. Your life is your mirror. What you see is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. If you aren't happy with your situation, you can change it by changing your perceptions of yourself.
Remember, nobody else gets to decide whether you're worthy. Only you do. Consider this quote, which comes from Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Nor can anyone else limit your personal power without your consent.
Your Self List
Make a list of your ideas about yourself. Consider your physical qualities, mental abilities, talents, job, relationships, lifestyle, and so on. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What things do you feel comfortable with, and which would you like to change?
Look at all areas of yourself. Make “plus” and “minus” categories if you like. Are you good at managing time? Do you have pretty eyes? Are you a skilled cook? Are you compassionate, a good listener, a loyal friend? Are you overweight? Are you always late for appointments? Do you buy things you don't need to make yourself feel better? Are you impatient, judgmental, or indulgent?
Pay attention to your “self talk,” or the things you say about yourself. Learn to catch yourself whenever you say something derogatory or self-limiting. Every time you notice you've thought or said something unkind about yourself, stop and replace the criticism with a compliment.
It can help to also examine where the negative ideas you hold about yourself originated. Then, think about how these ideas are undermining your power, happiness, success, and well being. Project into the future. If you changed those ideas, what might happen? Plunge into yourself to delve and discover your true motives, needs, and desires. Once you've done that, work to bring that self-knowledge to full consciousness, into your daily awareness.
Willpower
Your will is the force behind every visualization, manifestation, and spell. It galvanizes you at the deepest levels to achieve something that you desire. You don't simply say the words. You don't just go through the motions. You commit to the path you've decided upon and trust the process that unfolds.
Remember a time in your life when you felt powerful. Bring to mind the feelings that you experienced then, and reconnect with them. Hold these impressions in your mind and heart while you remind yourself that you are still that powerful person inside. Let your willpower energize this image to activate your personal power in the present.
Go with the Flow
Although this phrase implies passivity, what it really recommends it that you put yourself into the stream of cosmic energy that flows through everything in the universe. Alcoholics Anonymous members use the phrase, “Let go and let God.”
“We allow ourselves to be led by the Creative, rather than by intellectual calculation … by clinging to the Creative and its action, we assist in bringing about the correct result. Through non-action — doing nothing at all — we achieve everything.” — Carol K. Anthony,
“Go with the flow” means “Stop resisting, and relax.” Swimming is a good analogy. If you relax, the water will buoy you up, but if you flail about, you'll drown. Instead of struggling to figure out everything with your rational mind, allow your intuition to kick in. Trust that the universe, your higher self, Divine Will, Source, or whatever term you prefer has everything under control — all you have to do is stop interfering with the plan. When you hook into something larger than yourself, you discover that the big picture is vastly more complex than you imagined.
The flow of a river is altered constantly by the curvature of the land that contains it, as well as by weather patterns and myriad other factors. In the same way, the purpose of the flow in your life changes as your goals and needs change. By developing an awareness of this deeper stratum of your life, you're better equipped to anticipate opportunities, to deal with challenges, and to fulfill your potential. In short, you are empowered.
