Sounds like a strange question, right? Aren’t we are all seen by someone? But are we really letting people “see us” – the true us or are we letting them see the face we put on because of who “we think” they want to see?
It is hard to let ourselves be seen. To open ourselves up and let go of the fear of judgment, the fear of failure, and that dreadful fear of what people will think of us. It is important for us to let others SEE us because it frees us from the fears that are holding us back from showing our true awesomeness. It lets our gifts shine through. It STOMPS on those inner gremlins that make us think small.
Want to overcome those issues of being small? It will take a little bit of work BUT it can be done. I lived with not wanting to be seen for years. I let my need to people-please keep me from sharing my gifts and talents. That has changed over the last year or so and these are the steps that helped me:
Step #1. Know, really KNOW, that you are unbelievably awesome.
We need to build your self-confidence. I know it is easier said then done, right? I have been there. If you aren’t there yet, just have faith that you are indeed awesome. I BELIVE in you. My favorite thing to do when I am feeling “less than” is to CELEBRATE my accomplishments – no matter how small. It could be getting up in the morning and taking a shower. Make a list of your strengths, gifts and talents. Keep them handy so that you can act on them! Set small doable goals and make sure you achieve them!
Step #2. Give yourself some compassion.
You know that we judge ourselves the hardest, right? Give your self a break. Every time you start to judge yourself, read your strengths and gifts. Give yourself some love and space. It’s okay! Be nice to YOU, you so deserve it! This may take some practice but baby steps will help. Practice a little self-care – a bubble bath, a cup of that “special” coffee or tea. When you feel special, it will be easier to show yourself some compassion.
Step #3. Let go.
Yes, I am singing the words to FROZEN. Do you know how amazing it feels to “let go” of caring excessively about how others see you? OMG! It is an amazing feeling and life changing. When you realize that you are changing your behavior based on how someone else might see you, breathe…and tell yourself to let go. It’s so powerful. We have very little control over how others see us. If we let fear run our lives, we’re giving the fear and that person power over us. Don’t you want to control your own life?
Wouldn’t you rather be uncomfortable for a few minutes then let Negative Nelly control the rest of your life? How many of your dreams will never be reached? How many people will miss out on your gifts and talents because of this fear?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 