WHEN TO TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY
You’ve probably heard the advice: “Don’t take yourself so seriously” or “Don’t take it personally”. It’s good advice to heed when we’re embarrassed by our mistakes or feeling overly self-conscious. We all get the wisdom in those times.
But there are times when we should take ourselves seriously.
Take yourself seriously when you feel the urge to express yourself, speak out, and give an opinion, even though you’re feeling insecure and fearful. Honor your voice. Take those moments seriously.
Take yourself seriously when you’re doing something that lights you up when you forget what time it is, and when you forget to eat. Take that super seriously.
Take yourself seriously when you realize you have a talent, knack, or proclivity to do something well - something that brings you joy. Lean into those instincts. Know your strengths. Take them oh so seriously.
Take seriously your uniqueness, your freakness, and your differences, even though you want to fit in. There’s no one else like you. Your uniqueness is your impact. This is a time to take yourself seriously.
Take it seriously when you find yourself tuning in and taking direction from the other (unkind) voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough and wants to drown out the voice of wisdom. Listen in and take both voices seriously.
Take it seriously that you have an amazing machine called the mind. Understand how it works and how it’s not in charge of you. Honor the equipment. Take that seriously.
Take it seriously that you are not your thoughts, your mind, or your physical body, but that you are so much more expansive. Don’t be afraid to take that seriously.
Take it seriously that at your core you are innately whole and complete, that you have everything you need, that you are not broken or defective, and that your life is not so much about transformation but more about uncovering what’s already there, what’s always been there. Honor that knowing. Take this oh-so seriously.
Take it seriously when you find yourself believing that external circumstances and personal desires will bring you lasting joy in life. Know that you already have a reservoir of joy and love inside of you. Get serious about knowing how to access that reservoir.
Take it seriously that you are being guided and supported by a benevolent and powerful intelligence. Plug yourself into it. Know that you are not alone.
If you want a life of contribution, joy, and creativity, begin to really take yourself and all that you are seriously.