There comes a point in life when opinionated companions that are uninvited yet ever present offer their unsolicited advice on every decision. Some voices uplift, others discourage but all hold power over your choices if you let them.
Ms. Self Pity,
She arrives unannounced, slipping into your thoughts with whispers of doubt.
“That’s too much for you. I don’t think you can pull it off,” she says, her tone laced with certainty.
Too often you nod in agreement. Deep down you know you are capable yet her persistent voice urges you to hesitate, to shrink, to believe that stepping forward is a mistake. She thrives on your uncertainty, feeding off your insecurities.
Mr. Past Failures,
This one is hard to silence. His voice is deep, authoritative and armed with evidence from your past.
“You’ve failed before. You will fail again,” he reminds you, his words echoing in your mind.
You have listened to him too many times. His grip is strong and his reasoning is persuasive. He steers you away from your dreams, convincing you to say no is to shrink instead of rise. And so another opportunity slips away, another dream postponed, another regret etched into your story.
The Cheerleader,
Your favorite voice. She sees your potential even when you doubt it.
“You can do this! You are talented, gifted, unstoppable!” she cheers.
In her eyes, you glimpse a version of yourself that can conquer the world. You push forward fueled by her belief in you. When you succeed, you beam with pride, knowing you gave it your all. When you stumble, she steadies you.
“We can’t be great at everything,” she reminds you. “But that doesn’t mean we stop trying.”
She is your motivator, your encourager, your reminder that you are more than your failures.
Familiar Friends,
They know you well, your strengths, your weaknesses and your habits. Their concern sounds like love, but sometimes it limits you. When you present a bold idea, they hesitate. that’s because they know well. They know what you and cannot do. And they often say, “We’ve prayed about it. We want the best for you. But this project isn’t for you,” they caution.
And you nod, even when your heart tells you otherwise. Their familiarity makes them persuasive, their hesitation feels like wisdom and their fear masquerades as care.
Looking back you see the pattern it all comes down to one word the English man called FEAR. Each voice in your head or ears whether discouraging or supportive holds some sway over your choices.
But now, you decide about the Ms. Self-Pity and Mr. Past Failures because they no longer get to dictate your path. The Cheerleader? Keep her but don’t live solely for her validation. Familiar Friends? Respect them but don’t let their fears define your destiny.
The new mantra is simple, face what you fear. Take the opportunity. Step out of that box and do it anyway.
You would rather fail trying than live haunted by regrets disguised as cautious advice.
The journey is yours. The choice is yours. And fear no longer has a seat at your table.
TUHAME ❤️