Do You Take Yourself Seriously?

What, another newsletter? That’s 3 weeks in a row. What’s going on? 

What’s going on is that I’m trying to get this new group started and I want to send reminders in case you want to join but are dragging your feet. I would love for you to be a pioneer and help me get this thing started (It’s scary!). And I would love for you to take this step to invest time and energy in yourself. 

Anyway, here’s what I have to say this week. 

I don’t remember where I heard these words by 19th century spiritual leader Bunim. It was years ago. I’ve pulled them out many times since then, to remind both myself and my clients of their message. 

“In every coat there should be two pockets. 

In one pocket should be a piece of paper that reads, 

‘For my sake was the world created.’ 

In the other should be a piece of paper that reads, 

‘I am only dust and ashes.'”

It is striking to me that many of my clients and friends, especially those raised as girls, are very comfortable with the latter message. They’ve got humility down pat. 

It’s the former message that brings up lots of resistance. The fear of being “selfish and self-absorbed” is very real. 

Taking ourselves seriously is where we struggle. Yes, I do too.

So we laugh off our mistakes. We routinely take on the blame when things go sideways. And we downplay our achievements. 

When the humility muscle is well trained it all too easily turns into self-deprecation. 

Self-deprecation is not kind. 

It is a pro social skill. 

It shows consideration of other people’s feelings. Our own, not so much.

It helps us to feel acceptable around others. Accepted, not so much.

Do you feel lonely, depleted, resentful?

It’s time to reach into the other pocket.

So, to remind you that you are important, and that your needs and wants are important, I invite you to take a few quiet moments to yourself today. 

Take a piece of paper (or your journal if you have one) and make a What-if List. Write at the top, “Wouldn’t it be great if…” and start writing anything and everything that comes to mind, whether it seems realistic or not. Don’t think about it. Just write.

That’s it. 

Let the list sit as a product of you. That’s enough.

If one thing on there should happen to call your attention and ask for more, I guarantee you already know one small step that can bring you a little closer to that reality. 

No need to figure it out. No pushing to make things happen.

One step is all you need to know. 

Take that small step. Even if there’s fear. 

That small step matters because you matter and your wishes matter. 

Big shifts come from small steps. 

Drop me a line to tell me about your list and if anything surprising showed up. It truly makes my day to hear back from you. So please, keep it coming. Also, if you know anyone who could benefit from receiving these messages, please forward this email on to them. I want to inspire more people to live a more joyful, creative life. 

With love and support,

Mary B. 

P.S. Maybe your small step is to come to my Journal Doodle Circle, an intentional space for practicing the life-giving skill of noticing and meeting ourselves and others where we are. Find the details here. 

P.P.S. Work with me 1:1 to Reignite Your Art and Your Life. If you want to turn your anxiety and insecurity into powerful art or a creative project, I’m here to guide you through. Read more here.