A handful of life-affirming truths.
I believe that most of the world runs on fear.
Which is why I strive to live the opposite in my daily affairs.
In my own journey on this spinning ball of dirt, I've sought to understand, connect, embrace, acknowledge, explore, slow down, inspire, and find solace in countless ways.
All in hopes of discovering the hope that lies just beneath the surface.
And, I've come to understand a few things.
Specifically, the truths, subtle affirmations, and empowering behaviors that have drawn me closer to living a courageous life.
Over the past half-decade or so, I've begun to awaken. I've stopped running away. Stopped attacking, avoiding and denying what I’m afraid of. And, I'm learning how to be a voice of hope in this beautifully brutal world.
Two truths I've embraced have helped me the most:
> The idea that I belong.
> The idea that my best days are ahead of me.
Truth number one was a revelation. Truly. I realized that my value isn't tied to brilliant insights or cleverness; people appreciate me for who I am. Truth number two allowed me to open my heart to change.
Both truths are really about compassion. Being a part of the human race. Experiencing and accepting love. Which is something I was ready for.
I'm getting better at this now. Because I'm learning how to love myself. Which makes me more grounded. And, easier to be around.
There's a whole list of affirmations I've embraced, like:
You are not alone.
You can always seek help.
It's okay to be vulnerable.
Show your struggles; it's part of being human.
Trust the process.
You don't have to have it all together.
Many will not understand and that’s okay.
And the list goes on.
The thing about all of these affirmations is that they connect me to the one place where I can truly grow and become the person I'm meant to be: my community.
I've said it many times in these posts, but all progress starts with the truth.
The number one reason I embrace these truths, and you can too, is simple: we do it to thrive. Because it's more rewarding to face reality than to hide from it.
We seek balance, harmony, and peace, and we can find it by embracing an authentic narrative.
What I've learned is that growing up and embracing the truth is a journey of self-discovery. It means nurturing our existence and facing everything we’ve been longing to unpack and truly understand.
At first, this is a breath of fresh air. Because hope is such a powerful force for wounded souls. Once we find the courage to channel that energy into belief, we move from a place of self-doubt to a place of self-affirmation.
We learn how to trust ourselves no matter what chaos is swirling around us. We choose to support ourselves in the face of uncertainty. We settle into the essence of who we truly are. We become grounded. Whole. Secure.
Overcoming self-sabotage is a journey of self-love. At its core, self-sabotage is really a fear of success.
Psychologically, we prefer the known over the unknown. We'd rather predict what will happen than create a brighter, different future. But we are also capable of embracing possibilities.
Which is why most of us play it safe for so long. Why we keep our talents hidden. And, undervalue ourselves and our contributions.
But we don’t have to live that way.
We no longer have to anticipate how others will see us and react in specific ways. We don't have to perform for approval. Or seek to please everyone. We no longer need to procrastinate on the important things. Or fear taking on more responsibility. In fact, we can embrace it.
After all, success is personal. And, the only scorecard that matters is the one we set for ourselves.
I bring all this up because I know a lot of you reading this are on a similar journey towards a hope-driven life. One that opens you to experiencing the fullness of what’s going down.
It doesn't matter if I tell you that you're (good, smart and strong) enough if you don't believe it yourself.
At some point, I hope you realize what I have: that this life isn't about worthiness or unworthiness.
Nope.
It’s about total acceptance. Surrender. Inner freedom.
If you can wrap your head and heart around that truth for more than a moment, you will experience grace and find an endless reservoir of possibility.
That's a conversation I encourage you to have with yourself. With God. And, with someone you know, love and trust.
If you do anything, pay attention to how hope is manifesting in your life for the next 24 hours.
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Steve Knox | Georgetown, Texas
\\\ Thanks as always for reading. You are why I write. I hope that you find a little hope. Truly. I encourage you to print this email off, of save a copy on whatever device you’re reading it on. And, don’t forget to share it with at least one other soul. Much love. Godspeed.