I had dinner last night with a good friend. I was telling him that I was thinking of having a party to celebrate 365 blogs and my birthday. I was hesitant though and asked his thoughts. He said, “Jessica why is it so hard for you to celebrate yourself? You are the bomb! Are you sure you are in the right career? [Ha!] Have you really thought about what you’ve done here?”
What is so hard about celebrating who we are? Even as I was talking to him about a party, I was feeling hesitant … unsure that maybe this was too forward of me to do for me. Of course, he reminded me that this was not only going to be for me … it would be for all of us.
Here’s the thing, I really am freaking proud of myself for doing this blog. But to say that out loud, to be acknowledged for something … that’s an incredibly difficult proposition. It is a move way outside my comfort zone.
I have this voice inside me that constantly reminds me that I likely don’t really have a law degree. That I must be faking it. It tells me that it’s no big deal to build a practice with amazing clients or that I can’t be a good mom. It’s also the voice that questions whether I deserve any attention whatsoever.
What’s the real truth here: The world will not celebrate you if you don’t celebrate yourself. Period.
No way around this one. You will not get what you want out of the world if you don’t think you deserve it. I once read this: “You won’t move forward, achieve great things, attract clients, find the partner of your dreams or make more money if permit yourself to get caught up in a conversation with the voice that tells you that you don’t deserve all of the good things coming your way.”
You do deserve the best you can imagine for yourself.
I really do deserve the great clients that are in my practice. I also deserve a fantastic partner who will support me in all sorts of ways. And, if I want to make more money … I deserve that too! I also deserve my amazing friends and no wonder I’ve got such great kids!
Wait! Stop! Ahh, my inner voice: What makes you think that you deserve more than others? What about all the people living in poverty or with life struggles?
Yes, of course. But my wanting the best for me does not take away from what I can and should do for the collective good of the world. It is not an either/or.
So, for today (no every day!) give yourself some credit for the fantastic person you are. Shove the other “voice” away. Don’t be stuck in the negative tape of questioning your worth. And, BTW – You do deserve all the good that comes your way – and even the stuff you do for yourself!
Have a wonderful day (and watch for my party invitation!) 🙂
theyearof50 