Changing your Inner Narrative by Doing the Hard Things that Scare You

I can do hard things.

A gentle yet empowering reminder that we have the ability to push through the challenges that we face in this life.

While the hard things we experience are unique to the journey we are each on, many of us discount the strength that is inherent in each of our personal histories. Whether it’s the strength to forgive, the strength to move, or the strength to start again… all of it is proof that you are this incredible and utterly capable human being… who can do hard things.

You can do hard things, too.

Changing the Narrative

For much of my life the declaration was an unspoken interrogation, “Can I do hard things?” I spent many years unsure if I could do the things that I would hear others had done, seen and been inspired by, or desired to accomplish. Growing up in a small town, with very limited exposure to real challenges, it took more courage than most would think… to venture on my own and accomplish the smallest thing.

I recall when my parents packed me up and drove to my university to experience frosh week, spending the week overnight in the dorm. My first time in the big city, without any parental supervision. I felt ready up until we arrived. Although the frosh bosses and my fellow peers did their best to get me out of the vehicle, sleeping bag and suitcase in tow, I drove back home with my parents that day feeling entirely unprepared and ill-equipped to do what felt like the hardest thing at the time.

But bit by bit, I gave myself room to explore.

I did those small things and in that, would receive the intrinsic validation that maybe, just maybe… I was capable of more than I would give myself credit for. I definitely felt unsure for many years thereafter, all that said, there is something unparalleled about rising to a challenge that no one (including myself), thought could be possible. 

With each small win, any the small and big fears courageously faced… I slowly earned the confidence that I have in my abilities today.

Believing it is Possible

This is often half the battle. Giving ourselves permission to believe in a desired reality we’ve spent much of our time convincing ourselves was out of reach. 

We are worthy of the dreams we carry. 

Yet, many of us will not give ourselves the chance to prove how true that statement is… the internalized critic and negative self-talk overrule the quiet voice that whispers to us to simply try, to take that first step towards that desired reality to just see, if we can bring our dreams to life.

And those who dare to try, who dare to believe that it is possible, often are rewarded with a reality beyond what they could have conceived. Not because it was easy, but because the pursuit of the desires of our hearts creates a sense of self-recognition that is incomparable.

You can make your dream a reality.

In Conclusion

There will always be a reason to talk yourself out of doing the hard thing. Maybe it isn’t your time, but I urge you to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. You have everything you need to give yourself the opportunity to flourish, to bloom, and to glow.

From someone who left her small town with big dreams that are concretizing daily… there is a world of opportunity, a million of possibilities, that exist beyond the fears you carry.

Take the leap of faith and who knows, you might just get the opportunity to dance with fate.

#Dreamer #Doer #Motivation #Courage