This is a letter I got from Brave Girls Club about a month ago:
Reading it, what I most felt was relief. I have been questioning my wants and doubting myself and my abilities so much lately in this on again/off again pursuit of… something. I compare myself to those who have already “succeeded” in creating their online personas and cultivated a large following. Whether it’s in their own art, their poetry, their photography, or in their own niche, I am envious. There, I said it.
I often feel that I’m spinning my wheels… directionless. But then I saw this from one of Christine Mason Miller’s blogs, “Ordinary Moments,” and there was another deep exhale from within.
My treasured weekday mornings alone fly by in what seems like half a heartbeat and I try to cram as many projects and tasks in as possible. It’s not a relaxing feeling at all… more like being under the gun to keep crossing items off that ever-lengthening list. So changing my perspective toward the knowledge that there will be time enough for it all reassures me immensely!
And finally, there’s that idea that everything up to this moment has led me to exactly where I most need to be right now. It’s all a necessary learning experience. If I am true to myself and can trust the unfolding, I can let go of the worry.
Such a relief! Everything is going to be amazing.
Please share what worries or thoughts you’ve been able to let go of with a little shift in perspective. I’m very interested.
So glad, Naomi, to have found your blog! I have struggled for years with self doubt…even when people around me assume I have it all together. My doubt is then followed with guilt because I am afraid those same people will see the real me (the duck paddling like crazy!)
I have way too many lists with unaccomplished goals. Oops…that feeds the self doubt!
Thank you for being so transparent!
Ruth, I’m so glad too! I think I know exactly how you feel. I am trying (at least the past couple of days) to slow down. I’m thinking of what I can take off my list completely. Maybe it’ll help me be able to stop more often. At least enjoy more often, you know?
Sometimes I get tired of hearing stories of phenomenal success, but not hearing about the struggle. It makes me feel alone. Thanks for making me feel less alone.
Kate Sciandra recently posted…Allowing Your Work Its Voice
I know what you mean, Kate. Alone and jealous too! It IS nice to know that it’s similar for everyone most of the time, that successes were preceded by self-doubt and worries too.
I love this! It can be applied to any dream or goal. I put myself right inside and felt the emotion of the rollercoaster. I found a quote recently and it said, “I hate to spoil the ending but everything is going to be okay!” Nothing could be more true… and I’d venture to change the ending to “I hate to spoil the ending but you succeed every single moment!”
Kudos and so fun to stop by and see what you are up to! xo
Thank you for visiting, Kirsten! I’ve missed you! I wish we could think these positive thoughts at the outset!
It was a nice post and I love that things show up in your life when necessary. I don’t believe that there’s enough time for everything. I truly believe that the reason we don’t have enough time is that we can’t see what should be first, next, and never. Hey, that’s my blog post title for tonight. Thanks.
Sheila Skillingstead recently posted…Cleaning up typos
You know, Sheila, I think you are right. The hard part for me is prioritizing and then letting the other stuff go. Thanks for coming by and for commenting!
I read this and found myself exhaling a long deep yesssssssss.
Thank you. This was what I needed to read today.
Susan recently posted…Creative Oh!
Naomi, I love the letter. I am in the midst of getting attention for my art, and it is not totally comfortable! I’m not sure I agree with the 2nd little note about there being time enough for everything. I think it may be that not everything is important. I say this, mind you, with a mighty attachment to my “to do” list. Blessings to you.
Janet recently posted…Potent, Nurturing and Clear
Beautiful! I love this so much.
How encouraging Naomi- thanks for reminding me that I am where I should be right now. I rush around from day to day trying to get so much accomplished and forget to stop and appreciate all that i have done. Great post!
Sue recently posted…Comment on Thoughtful Thursday by Sandy King
I love this letter. I subscribe to Brave Girls Club too & remember reading this one. I’m thinking maybe I should print it out and read it each morning before I begin my work. I tend to get so caught up in the details of my jewelry process I forget to enjoy the journey. Thanks for the reminder.
PS. I have been trying to read your post for several days. Interrupted many times by family demands and questions. I actually kept it open on my browser tab so I would remember to read it! How funny, the things us Mommy’s have to do!
I know… I do that often. Or I end up printing things out and reading before bed. I just started reading Gretchen Rubin’s “Happier at Home” and she speaks about focusing on gratitude for what we already have in our lives. P.S. Your charm bracelets are awesome.
I’ve been feeling the same exact way. I finally was able to let go of needing an end result in mind while creating, and it’s made all the difference in my attitude. If I concentrate on just having fun, learning, and expressing/finding my own truth, all those doubts lose their grip on me. I haven’t been as worried about creating something beautiful but instead I’m concentrating on being quiet and listening. It’s made all the difference in the world.
Lovely post! xo
Wendy recently posted…A Cute Pug for You (Artful Creations Day 24)
Oh my goodness, Wendy, I was just talking about this with my husband! Well, he was talking to me. I get so stressed out about getting through my “list” of projects that I forget that the entire day is FUN. Whatever I do, I should be enjoying the time, the process, the creativity. I have GOT to remember this!
Wonderful post. Love the letter from the Brave Girls. We are always exactly where we need to be 🙂
Michele Bergh recently posted…The Pain of a Broken Link
I know exactly the feeling you are talking about. Some days I feel so inspired and excited and others I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. But the message of “just keep going, you’re doing the right thing” is soothing. It’s so true. Thanks for the reminder.
it’s so funny to me how we perceive ourselves. because from the outside i’m like, ‘dang, naomi’s got it going on!’ 🙂 but i am no stranger to the feelings of wanting to find my thing or my niche. and i’m starting to think it’s that journey of discovery and what we learn along the way that is more important than the destination of the ‘thing’.
so glad to have you as a friend on this journey. xoxo kelly
Minding My Nest recently posted…Texture Tuesday–Little Things
HA!!! Thank you for saying that, Kelly. It reminds me of what my mother used to tell me… sometimes you see a duck swimming calmly along, but you don’t see that underneath the surface it’s feet are paddling like mad. 🙂
My daughter and I always have lengthy discussions about such topics. Starting by discovering how do we really want to feel when we will have that one thing… then keeping ourselves as aligned as possible everyday with the energy of that feeling and before you know it that one thing you wanted starts showing up because you are more in alignment with how you want to feel. Letting go and changing how we have always done things, it takes baby steps that’s another one that will bring us towards what it is we want. I love Abraham-Hicks videos to help with this and I want to work more with The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte.
Suzanne McRae recently posted…Let the Painting Begin
So cool. It’s like envisioning something and it manifests itself. Do you use that when you are painting too?
Painting class only starts in 2 days. Time will tell how that will all unfold. 😉
Suzanne McRae recently posted…Using numerology to guide you through life
Thanks for reminding me that everything is wonderful – because it is and yet I get so wrapped up in what I think I need to do that I forget to relax and enjoy the moment at times. This too must be part of the process! Your blog is wonderful and your messages are thoughtful, inspiring and much appreciated.
Yes, it’s like forgetting how happy we are now and instead focusing on what we need for the future. Thanks so much for coming by!
That letter has come at such a great time. January is always such a difficult month we doubt ourselves with negative thoughts. I have this wonderful little book called Arriving at Your own Door by Jon Kabat-Zinn and here is part of a lovely piece called
‘Richness of Now’
“There is no time other than now. We are not, contrary to what we think ‘going’ anywhere It will will never be more rich in some other moment than in this one.”
Such wise words……
I like that, Viv. I have several books by Kabat-Zinn and each helps me pay more attention to the NOW. 🙂
Wow, these are the feelings I’ve been having lately! Self-doubt, feelings of standing still, what have I accomplished?, where does my day go, did I make a mistake leaving my awful (but steady paycheck) job? Working through all of my limiting beliefs; reading this was perfect timing!
Thank you,
Nina
nina recently posted…Day 18!
You see? It’s all taken care of… Perfect timing and all. I’m so glad this helped you. YOU in turn help ME feel good so thank you.
I adore the Brave Girls stuff- they are doing such beautiful & much needed soul work!
Amanda @ Click. The Good News recently posted…Photo Favorites 2012
Oh yes, I agree! I took Soul Restoration last year and LOVED it.
What an encouraging post – thanks for sharing such uplifting words! It’s so easy to start doubting our abilities and dreams.
Sherri B. recently posted…The Blues of Winter
That’s so true. Sometimes I guess we have an uphill battle to stay positive.
Someone once told me, You are right where you need to be at this moment. This sentence keeps me going during so many moments when I started to wonder what I’m doing!
Robyn, me too!