Stop believing what others say about you. Don’t let them define you based on their perception. And by the way, check what you’re saying about yourself too. Speak to yourself with respect, love, kindness, admiration, and mercy, because that’s how God speaks to you. If you hear people you love saying terrible things about themselves, wouldn’t you stop them? Yes. Why wouldn’t God feel that way about you too?
Girl, today, right now. Look back in that mirror.
What are you saying to yourself?
What are you believing about yourself? “I am too ______.” Fill in the blank. (Your criticisms will be different than the ones I heap on myself.). Or, “I am always _____.”
What are the names you’re calling yourself?
W.C. Fields said, “It ain’t what they call you; it’s what you answer to!”*
What name do you answer to? If people demean you, then they have the problem. If people call you out of your name, it’s a signal they are not confident in themselves. They are trying to find something to give themselves value. They’re only trying to keep you on their basic level—misery truly does love company—but you can soar like an eagle. If someone wants to stay low, that’s on them. If you stay with them down in the ravines of life, that’s on you. This is a learned behavior. Stop listening to what other people say about you...
Be careful who you keep company with. You may not be able to change the company around you, but you can be careful what you let seep into your soul... I am giving you permission not to believe the lies of criticisms like you’re too fat, you’re dumb, or you’re not beautiful. It might take a while to get other people to notice that you’re not letting their toxicity into your life, but your internal change can be swift.
It’s vital to recognize when people call you out of your name and how to handle it so that it does not disrupt your pursuit of your calling.
You may be underestimated and undervalued by someone in your life. But don’t let that sideline you. Don’t let anyone sideline you, including yourself. Don’t be your own hater. If someone tells you that you are less than, you need to have the confidence to tell them who you really are. Tell them strong enough, lest they forget. It may be that you have to work harder and smarter than what that person says. So, if you are in a tough situation at work or at home, don’t let the harsh words of others get inside your spirit.
Don’t let anyone call you out of your name. And if they do, don’t believe them. Fill your mind and your mouth with the words of who you really are —blessed, brilliant, beautiful.
-
How you think about yourself today determines who you will be tomorrow.
* W. C. Fields, quote widely attributed online.
