You have a dream in your heart. I know you do!
We all do.
It’s the way God made us. And yet so many of us don’t step out with a hell-bent determination to make our dreams come true. What is that all about? What holds us back?!
That’s what the Why Not YOU?! series is about. I am interviewing people that have pushed past the doubts, insecurities and fears to step out and OVERCOME!
Last week I told you about Megan Perez, a young newlywed that pushed past those chattering voices to overcome and start her own business. The first part of my interview with Megan is here where she shared how important it was for her to trust the process, practice daily gratitude and speak positive affirmations.
Continuing on in our interview, Megan talked about how important it was to create a positive environment. Realizing she needed to create a winning environment, she chose to surround herself with:
POSITIVE PEOPLE
Do your friends look like the picture above? Are they cheering you on? Are you cheering yourself on? Last week was a tough week for me and I had several friends that held me up. One friend cried wept with me and told me it was okay to cry. Another prayed with me and encouraged me to get my big girl pants on. Another sent me texts to check on me. Friends that want the best for us is what each of us need. A few good friends that cheer us on is better than a zillion that are too busy and distracted…..
Megan understood the importance of speaking positive to herself and have people around her that were uplifting. She realized that she would never befriend someone who spoke negatively to her like she had been speaking to herself. Though most of her friends and family were encouraging, she decided to put distance between herself and those that didn’t support her new goals and new mindset.
And then she:
GOT REAL
She began to share with people, that she knew she could trust. And that was pretty scary as a dietitian – to admit that you have a bad relationship with food and struggle with insecurities. But then again, she picked people she could trust. I’ve heard it said, “We are are as sick as our secrets.” Sharing our deep inner self, with those that are trustworthy, is part of the healing process. Just being able to be honest with Megan about my struggle with food has released me to walk through the process towards healing. As Megan says: “It’s not logical to think that we can take advice from ourselves when we haven’t been kind to ourselves.” We must seek to get beyond our own negative voices. This means reprogramming our mind and listening to others who believe in us.
Equally important Megan began to prioritize:
SELF CARE
Honestly, I think we need a whole series on the importance of investing some love and tenderness in ourselves. I never realized how hard this step is for me personally until I started working with Megan. And how important it is to live victoriously. Joyce Meyer says, “No matter where you go, there you are! So you might as well like yourself because you can’t get away from yourself!”
An important step for Megan was realizing the benefit of rewarding herself with time to care for herself. Rather than telling herself she “should” exercise or eat right – she chose to listen to what she really “wanted” to do. Here is where Megan began to Trust the Process. Instead of feeling deprived, she felt empowered as she made choices that benefited both her mind and her body. She began attending yoga classes which helped her practice not only self care, but gratitude and goal setting. At the end of each yoga class she got a “win!” Actually several wins!
Fast Forward: In her dietician practice, Megan is teaching others from a perspective of overcoming. Having pushed through the fears, doubts, and insecurities she can better minister to others in their place of need as someone who understands and empathizes.
Now, Megan has a healthy mindset – and a smile sweeps across her face as she testifies that today she thinks she’s a pretty cool person! Indeed, she is! Megan was married early in 2018 (Congratulations!!) and she has branched out and started working on her own!!!
Why Not YOU?! Takeaway:
In order to step out into all that God has called us to be, we need to have the mindset of an overcomer. Changing our mindset means believing what God says about us, believing in ourselves, and being grateful for every little thing…because, as you know, the little things really are the BIG things!
Take a minute and ask yourself:
Are you a good friend to yourself?
Do you think you deserve to invest in yourself?
What we put our time and attention to shapes the person that will we we will be. We are not broken people – just people that need God to walk through victoriously!
This week I’m linking up with these great bloggers: Gayl,
If you’d like a free printable from this series, please subscribe in the sidebar so I can send it off to you!
You can connect with Megan her at her website:
Full Living Nutrition or on Facebook , LinkedIn, Instagram
She offers virtual consultations as well as in office and she’s AMAZING!!
Megan Keyser, MS, RD, LDN
Founder, Full Living Nutrition, LLC
If you’d like to linkup your great articles below, I love reading them each week! Please be sure to visit other amazing blogs and party on!
Michele Morin says
Such a great question! No, I’m often not a good friend to myself, but am trusting for grace to overcome my Eeyore-ish ways!
Char says
Take some time to sit in a beautiful garden of yours Michele! You’re worth it!
Anita Ojeda says
Positive people make such a difference! The Bible also tells us to love others as we love ourselves—if we don’t love ourselves, well, you get the picture…
Char says
That’s so true. It’s foundational yet not natural. Why??
Maree Dee says
Yes, it is so important to surround ourselves with friends that can cheer us on. Great points. Yes, we do need to also be a good friend to ourselves and others.
I have to learn to validate and hold back a little with my positive statements. I can sometimes not allow others to feel their disappointment because I move so quickly to what is right. It is good to encourage others to cry and not hand them the kleenex box so fast. Tears are healthy.
Char says
That’s a good point. I tend to do that to myself and rush through the sadness to rationalize that all is well with my soul.
Patrick Weseman says
That is part of the reason I am leaving my current employment. People there are really negative and I don’t get any emotional nutrition there. Time to go.
Thanks for your writing.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
Great choice. I remember you’re starting a new job in June. Countdown!!!
Laurie says
I like to think that I am a positive person, and most of my friends are also positive. (Some family members are another story!) Many of my friends are runners. That makes them feel good about themselves. When you feel good about yourself, it is much more likely that you will have a positive attitude.
Char says
So true Laurie! It’s so important to have a good mental attitude. It sounds like you have a nice circle of friends!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting and giving bloggers a place to promote their links. Today I am leaving my Crock Pot Sausage and Sauerkraut, Crock Pot Meatballs and Gravy, and a cool Cucumber and Onions dish. Enjoy!
Char says
I think I’m going to have to try that Cucumber and Onions dish….YUM!
Gayl says
Another great uplifting post, Char! I think we all need the reminder to make caring for ourselves a priority instead of letting ourselves burn out. Thanks for sharing more from Megan’s interview. Blessings to you!
Char says
Thanks for stopping in Gayl. I didn’t realize how important investing in ourselves was until recently.
Donna Reidland says
God made us for relationships, didn’t He, and we cheat ourselves when we don’t cultivate a few good ones … both being a good encourager and being transparent with a few trusted friends so we can allow them to encourage us are so important.
Char says
I always appreciate your insight Donna.
SUSAN SHIPE says
I try to be. But this winter has been ughly. Working to get back on track!!!
Char says
It seems like an unusually tough season for many. Praying for you Susan!
Karen Woodall says
Great reminder that when we are able to admit our faults failures and sins, then we take the first step toward being freed of them. And I’m so grateful to have close friends who supported and cared for me even when things got rough! How different life would be if they hadn’t been there! If you don’t have a friend, NOW is the time to start cultivating one… BEFORE you are in crisis. It may save your life one day!
Char says
That is a great point Karen! Good friends are possible for everyone – cultivate and invest in others. They will soon be the ones who support you when you need it.
Mary Hill says
I am so glad you joined us on the #LMMLinkup. I loved your post and encouraging message I found about seeing myself as God sees me: loved and forgiven.
Char says
Thanks for coming by Mary!
Cheryl says
Yes, I am my own worst enemy; especially, when it comes to my relationship with my appearance and with food. Yoga has helped me to connect my mind, body, and spirit verses viewing my body as a separate entity from the rest of me. Thanks for the encouragement.
Char says
It’s a challenge for me too. Being grateful and respectful of my body has helped me but I am still on the journey and looking forward to walking in total freedom!!!!!