They tell us ...

Be strong, but not assertive. Be confident, but not arrogant. Be successful, but never boastful. Be a leader, but not bossy.

Talk about a mixed message. Be like this, but not too much. You don't want to be perceived a certain way. Chase your dreams, but not too far because you can't chase dreams and be a mother. Fly, but keep your feet close to the ground because you don't want to seem like you have your head in the clouds. Practice self-care, but not all the time because your children should always be your number one priority.

Sister, we can't win. No wonder we drown ourselves in doubt and guilt day after day.

I can't help but think, what are we teaching our children? Be this, oh but not too much honey. We don't want to ruffle feathers or create waves of change. Try and fit into this cookie cutter mold so that everyone is happy. Suppress yourself to satisfy the majority.

NO.

Do you know what I say?

If you want to dream, dream BIG.
If you want to run a marathon, do it.
If you are up for a promotion, stop telling yourself all the ways you aren't qualified and start advocating for yourself.
If you are speaking to someone, speak with confidence. Look them in the eye.

Stop doubting yourself. Stop letting that voice creep in that tells you, you're not enough; that you're not qualified; that you're not cut out for it; that you don't belong.

Stop building everyone up around you day in and day out, only to turn around and doubt yourself.

Stop showing up for everyone else and not showing up for yourself.

You have one day. TODAY.

(Photo credit via: Unsplash)

I know it's so easy to get caught up in the cycle. To let the self doubt and feelings of inadequacy creep in. And then what happens? We sit in it. We repeat all the "I'm nots" over and over in our heads until we convince ourselves that we are anything but qualified. Anything but fitting, enough or worthy.

But, I see it. That light. The spark. It's there, sister. Stop trying to snuff it out. Stop looking for permission to live your own life. For permission to be who you were made to be. Stop living as a half version of yourself because you think the world can't handle you whole.

Stop telling yourself, "I'm not" and replace it with "I am."

Stop sitting on the sidelines of your own life.

I don't care if its sewing or volunteering. Working out or reading a book. Listening to a podcast or playing the piano. Starting your own business or sculpting. Do whatever it is that sets your soul on fire.

Do it now, without hesitation or apology.

Because no one gets to tell you how small or how big you can dream. No one gets to tell you your too this or too that. Be YOU, whoever that is.

The only thing guaranteed is today. What are you waiting for, sister? Rise up.

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