Being "Good Enough".....

My depression comes with certain core beliefs.  One of those core beliefs is that I am not “good enough”.  Whatever the situation or the project, I am certain that I can’t do it.  I know where this comes from.  When I was growing up with Maxine, I was convinced on some level that I was responsible.  And because I couldn’t solve the situation with Maxine, I wasn’t “good enough”.  That spread to school and my relationships, where I believed I was failing.  And in fact, I was.  So, from an early age, I had already defined who Judy is.  And that has remained a constant through my life.  I battle this thought pattern all the time.  Sometimes, I do well and these core thoughts don’t seem to be a problem.  But most of the time, they are a regular part of my life.  Will I ever eliminate this pattern?  I don’t think so.  I simply hope that I can be more successful at dealing with it.  And I do think I have made some progress. 

However, there are times that this thought pattern is still in control.  It’s very painful.  And it’s so difficult to change that I really do have to battle with it.  Since I know that failure can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, it’s something important to battle.  It’s pretty ironic that when I don’t think I can do something, I can’t.  That is true for all of us.  When you view yourself from a failure mindset, you are setting yourself up to fail.  So, what do I do to battle this?  Here are a few beliefs that I have used to battle the negative mindset:

• I am enough. 

• I am capable.

• If something doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean failure.  It simply means that I have to find another path.

• I am worthwhile.

• I am loveable.

• I have skills, strengths, and passion.  That can help me to create my own possibilities.

I use these “beliefs” as an affirmation.  We have spoken about the power of affirmations before.  What you tell yourself is what your mind sees.  So, your self-dialogue is VERY important to keeping you on a stable and peaceful path.  Do you struggle with this core belief about your worth?  The only way I know to battle with creating a self-fulfilling prophecy is to work at it.  And I am here to tell you…sometimes that isn’t easy.  But it is worth it in the long run.  

If you ever need assistance creating the affirmations that will help you deal with your negative messages, get in contact with me.  I would love to help you.  Or talk with a friend or a therapist.  Just start.  Even if it’s hard work to change the way you think, it is well worth the effort.