Throw Away that Ugly Noose!

Anyone who steps out of a nice, hot shower and puts on her old, dirty clothing is a fool.

Yet we all do this from time to time.

Okay, maybe not with our physical clothing, but when it comes to emotional garments, far too often we choose to wear that which is old and ugly.

We want to be strong and confident, so we seek out that which makes us feel good–you know: the “likes” on our selfies, the “As” on our papers, the “0s” on our paycheck, the smiles on our kids faces. The things we wear with pride are like our fresh, clean clothing. But then the kids are unhappy, the commission is split, the answers were wrong, no one commented on our pic and we go right back to the self-talk that destroys our confidence.

It’s kind of like putting on an old raggedy scarf over a new, formal dress. Foolish.

But we do that. We try so hard to BE who we were designed to be, but in our mind we are sabotaging our efforts.

“My kids are happy… but I’m such a bad mother.” 

“I’m making some good money… but I don’t deserve success.”

“I passed! … but I should have gotten a better grade.”

“Hey, I look pretty good here… but so-and-so didn’t say anything.”

Am I the only one, or do you ever get caught in this crazy self-talk battle? One person gives a negative opinion and it nullifies all the encouraging words we’ve heard.

Well it shouldn’t!

I don’t know about you, but I am tiered of giving the naysayers my mind-space! I think it’s wise to hear them out, consider their opinion and allow their insight to tweak my character with any truth that it holds, but I tend to be the kind of girl who keeps putting that nasty scarf around her neck. “She’s right, I’m … “ 

The thing is, that statement may have been correct in the time it was said. But you and I are not the same person today as we were yesterday. Not if we are remaining teachable, anyway. The filth we acquire as we go about living life is being washed off each time we seek forgiveness and growth. Continuing to think that someone’s opinion (good, or bad… this could be about pride or shame, couldn’t it?) is our reality is allowing that ugly scarf to become a noose that chokes the life out of us. 

Opinions change. Whether our naysayers still thinks poorly of us or not, it’s time to stop wearing their restraining words like our accessories and renew our minds with whatsoever things are true.

“She was right, but with God’s help, I am changing that and I refuse to dwell on her words, which would only make them remain correct.”

It’s a new day. I just had a nice, hot shower. Didn’t you? Let’s wear our beautiful, clean outfits with confidence and BE who we were designed to be!

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com