“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” ~ William Shakespeare
There is a committee that meets on a regular basis inside our brains that operates as if it has a powerful mandate with the final word on the disposition of our worth. It has an agenda that allows them to tick off all of the failings, shortcomings, pitfalls, should-haves, and what-ifs.
The members argue and shout at each other about how impossible it is for us to move forward considering our total lack of ability and incompetence. Do you recognize that committee and those voices? We struggle with them every day. All too often, we listen to them like some benign CEO who fears for his job, approving their negativity with a nod and a sigh.
They are right. We could never rise to the occasion. It will be better to just plod along rather than risk another failing attempt. The problem is that the committee does not have all of the information.
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” ~ E. E. Cummings
Our friends in Alcoholics Anonymous call this grouping of internal self doubters "the itty bitty sh...y committee". They find these meetings of negative thoughts actually have the power to lead them back into the horrors of addiction if given the opportunity. What is needed is an internal CEO with vision and with a silencing gavel to pound on the desk.
Each of us has the power to develop and carry out a personal mission statement. Self doubt will slip into the recesses of our minds when we are following these better angels.
We were created to serve a higher purpose than we can ever imagine. There is no time for negativity, no time for committee meetings, no reason to doubt and no reason to second guess our destiny.
Today I will pound that gavel and move forward toward my dreams!
Robert Kenneth Jones is an innovator in the treatment of addiction and childhood abuse.In a career spanning over four decades, his work helping people recover from childhood abuse and addiction has earned him the respect of his peers.His blog, An Elephant for Breakfast, testifies to the power of the human spirit to overcome the worst of life’s difficulties. We encourage you to visit and share this rich source of healing, inspiration and meditation.
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Bob Jones’ blog An Elephant for Breakfast