You are the only one standing in your way

What are you telling yourself you can’t do? What little voice in your head is telling you NO?  Do you hear the voice of your parents, grandparents, teachers, or kids that picked on you? Maybe you stuck your neck out and sang in front of a friend and they were critical. It may have taken you years to overcome that one critique. Maybe you tried to compete in a sport and instead of being supportive your team mates picked on you.  You gave up sports because of it. Maybe you presented your favorite poem to your senior class and were met with giggles and teasing.  You didn’t share anything personal in public again.

It is amazing how in an instant we can decide we are not good enough. Guess what, if it something important to you, just keep trying. Just because someone else was critical, doesn’t mean they were correct. Maybe that friend did enjoy your voice and was trying to help. You just heard the criticism. Maybe that sport wasn’t for you, but if you kept trying you could have improved or found another one you excelled at.  Group sports weren’t much fun for me, but I love a good dance beat or cardio session. (Took me years to figure that one out) OK, maybe a poem about phenomenal women was a little much for high school. (It did mention breasts and hips. Maya Angelo's Phenomenal Woman is still my favorite poem) Sharing your personal preferences, thoughts, and feelings helps you connect with other people and build meaningful relationships.  

 Those of you, who know me well, know I am a pretty confident person. Unfortunately it took me a long time to get where I am. I still have those moments when those old voices pop up. When I do, I take a few moments to breath, and remember I am more than what those voices tell me. I am worth fighting for. I will accomplish anything that I really want. I am loved. Guess what, so are you :) 

Have a happy Healthy day!

 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Maya Angelou