Steph's Ripples

Life is a journey and you've got to keep going. No matter what. I came across this poem while reading the book "Identity" by Stedman Graham. I definitely recommend this book. It provides an opportunity to step back and have a clear look at your values, what you stand for and know yourself better. A quick google search and  I came across the poem "Don't you quit". This is such a beautiful reminder to not lose faith and be quick to despair. Remember you have what it takes and that success is the result of tenacity in face of hardship.  Don't Quit by John Greenleaf Whittier

I am good enough. Repeat × infinity. Part of me believe the reason why we don't trust ourselves is simply because we think or are led to believe that we're not good enough. This halters our ability to do our best, to be our best version, to thrive. We need affirmations to stop doubting our true potential. Have faith in ourselves. Reminder, the brain believes what you tell it.

I have always had the mistaken belief that if I get something wrong, do something incorrectly or fail at something at the first go, then I'm bad at it. There is no other way around. I would let that mistake or failure define what I can do or where my potential lies. I would let those events and actions define who I am, what I can do and let them dictate my future. To give a clear example, I used to have a complex with writing in high school. I didn't think I was good at it. In my mind, I was simply incompetent and since everything we think is an affirmation-to be proven, then I would have mental blocks. See I would be unable to come up with ideas when writing essays and then my marks would reflect the meagreness of my writing ability. As a result, it felt like point proven and there began the vicious circle of being stuck in writing. It was a dreadful experience, to say the least. I have since realised because of what happened, I had created a mental picture that I cannot ...

There are no good or bad. There are only experiences. Something I finally learn is to stop seeing life in black and white. I used to be so critical and judgemental of everything that happens in my life. I would wonder and feel upset when things are not going the way I want. A few things I can reflect on: First, life is never going to be how you want it. There will always be something else on the way. Second, if you see something as bad, then you will see that event in the negative light. It could be due to past pain, fear or worry. However, if you see that event as an experience you need to move forward, a learning step, a lesson to be learnt, then you can appreciate what it is instead of resisting. My favourite line these days is everything comes as a blessing in disguise. Third, believe that the universe is working with you. Having read "Life loves You' by Robert Holden and Louise Hay', one of the most amazing and powerful messages I took with me is that Lif...

One of my favourite thing to say is undeniably, 'Everything comes as a blessing in disguise'. It's not easy sometimes to decipher the way life unfolds, to understand and to accept. It's especially the case when things are not going exactly the way we expect them to. Something that has tremendously helped me overcome those feelings of 'the world is out there trying to get me' is to see how things happen for a reason. We don't often see it right away, but over time we can see and reflect how every single event in our lives have been opportunities- to grow, to learn, to move forward in a different but more rewarding direction. Life is not necessarily trying to put you in circumstances you feel uncomfortable, but helping you along the way. The universe is always working with us and we need to have faith in the universe. It's that constant believe that will carry you further up and up.

You are born to stand out. Nothing good ever comes from following the crowd, doing what everyone else is doing because you are told to, force to or fooled into. What everyone else is doing should not be the determinant of your actions. Trust your intuition, believe in yourself and remain true to yourself. By being someone you are not, you fail to acknowledge all the goodness, talent and power you already possess. You are special in your own way.

This is inspired by Louise Hay: How to love yourself. We are so quick to criticism and judgement due to fear. Th only way you can heal yourself is by accepting and loving yourself. Don't take anything that happens to you more than what it is, creating the worse scenarios. Be kind and gentle with yourself. Select thoughts that will empower you. Nurture. Plant good positive seeds. It's ok to make mistakes while learning. Everything takes time. Anything you do the first time will feel uncomfortable. Be kind to your mind by doing positive affirmations which build you up. Don't be judgemental on your thoughts. You are lovable because you exist. Don't blame yourself. Do not fall into the pattern of guilt, punishment a pain. Respond to life in a kind way. Relax. Breathe and breathe out, let go. Release all fear, tension. Be patient, be open. Everything will be revealed to you when you are ready. Allow things to happen.

Each one of us is blessed. Although, it's hard for us to see it. We are so close and focused on everyday life, tasks to be done, our issues -most of which are self-created- that we cannot see our blessings.  Keep in mind that you are blessed. It's such a positive affirmation and reinforcement. When you realise and fully embrace that, it's like a weight lifted. You will then truly realised how blessed you are. 

One of the most enlightening moments in my life was to realise that we all have what it takes. However, we are close to that ability. We are not willing to see it. So, instead of swimming into that beautiful pool of resources, our potential, we sink to the bottom hole. We focus on what we fear we don't have. We focus on the negative thoughts, emotions. We are more prone to associate ourselves with 'I can't' rather that I can, I am ready! It's not entirely our fault. We are surrounded by 'Nos' since our births. We take it for granted that we are not enough because we're never told we are enough. All the accumulation of doubts, fear of unworthiness and negative emotions always appear in our moments of sadness. We are no longer in control. Always remember that you have all that it takes. You have the power within you. Most of the time, it only needs a gentle push to be awakened, to let it out. Experience true happiness and freedom when you do.

I'm in the process of reading the book 'Life loves you' by Louise Hay and Robert Holden. I'm deeply fascinated by the approach of the book. It feels like you are on this writing/self-discovery journey with them. This personal account of every step seems genuine and inclusive.  Live loves you. This is a such a positive affirmation. There is no judgement, no justification, no criticism. It's a simple statement with so much power. Truly, I feel like sometimes the world is working against us for some reasons and even though you know it's all made-up in your mind, you can't let go of the suffering. You have to give time to let the thoughts go, emotions fade away and breathe. During that instant, remember life loves you. There is no one against you. If you don't let the sunshine in and remain in darkness, that's only because you chose to. The sun is going to shine whether you feel good or bad. It's always there. However, if you chose not to le...

I have always been a great affirmer of positive reinforcements. Positive affirmations bring light in our life. Our thoughts have a tendency to be negative. How many times do you feel like you are being thrown over the edge? We are quick to succumb to doubt, anger, fear.  Deep inside, we are strong, fearless and confident human beings. However, all these positive innate qualities are buried as we grow up, due to criticism, embarrassment and judgement. Our family has expectations from us, everybody seems to know what's best for you. At a young age, it doesn't really matter. Our mind is not fully developed, so we take in everything, without really questioning its significance. Truth is we don't know the impact until much later. Indirectly, we let our inner desires fade away in the process; we don't know any better. We do what we must, based on society's beliefs of the definition of success. Unfortunately, when we don't follow our heart comes a deep sense of un...