Believe in Yourself

Last week I attended Time Out For Women with my family. It was a very empowering experience. The presenters gave great speeches, and the performers sang beautiful songs. One of the songs specifically stuck out to me, and has been on my mind ever sense. Part of the chorus said something like "I believe in God, but I don't always believe in me" That is exactly the way I have been feeling lately, and it really brought me comfort to know that I am not the only one. I never doubt the fullness of blessings in the gospel but lately I have done nothing but doubt myself. I got to the point where looking in the mirror would make me cringe. Every time I got dressed in the morning looking down at my body made me sick. And then it hit me. If I do believe in God, and he created me, there is no reason for me not to believe in myself. I thought I was being honest with myself admitting that I don't like the way my face and my body look. But I was wrong. I was only doubting the creation that God made. To be honest, I need to get to the point where I feel comfortable in my own skin again. So for starters, I began working out. Going to the gym, practicing yoga and other strength training exercises. And let me tell you, I see a world of difference. It has only been a week but already I have increased energy and self esteem. Just knowing that I am working on improving myself, makes me feel like a stronger person. The other day when I was doing cardio at the gym, within the first 10 minutes I felt like I was going to buckle to the ground. So in order to keep going, I put a smile on my face, and for the next twenty minutes I silently cheered myself on, "You're doing so well!" "You can do this! Almost half way done!" "YES more than half way done!" "If I can do the first 20 minutes I can definitely do the next 10!" It sounded lame in my head, and writing it out just now, sounds even more lame! Haha, but I don't care because it worked. I made it through my full 30 minutes of cardio when I felt like quitting after the first 10. By believing in myself I know that I can do anything I set my mind to. I've been all about 'mind over matter' lately and it hasn't let me down yet. So even when you feel like giving up, don't let yourself down. Remember that you CAN overcome challenging things.