I'm going to get real with you guys today. Really real. Growing up, I always felt like I couldn't make mistakes. I couldn't mess up. I couldn't disappoint. I could always do better, but no matter what it, would never be good enough. Nothing was "perfect" and I sure as heck wasn't either. I was scared to take risks and to put myself out there. I was scared to try new things & be in unfamiliar situations. I was scared of what people thought about me and what people would say about me. Everything I did and every where I went, I felt like someone was looking over my shoulder ready to point out the negative. And point out my mistakes.
And today? The truth is, I still feel that way sometimes, but I'm working on it. Cory and I were just talking the other day about how much my self-confidence and self-esteem as grown since him and I started dating. And it's so true. Nursing school helped too. And I really think blogging did as well. I'm not as afraid of new situations and I now try and embrace them with arms wide open. I try and remember to hold my head up high and keep my shoulders back and laugh at my mistakes instead of letting them bring me down.
Why am I pouring my heart out to you and telling you my sob story? Because I don't want to repeat it. I don't want Alea to think that her best isn't good enough. I don't want Alea to be scared to try something new for fear of failure or ridicule. I want Alea to be all that she can be and know that it's okay to make mistakes. I want her to make mistakes and embrace them.
After all, mistakes show that you are trying.
Well said! And I heart that printable, will need to save it when I'm on my computer for sure! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean! I think everyone is their own worst critic. It's always good to remind yourself no one is perfect. I have noticed a huge change in myself since starting my own blog too. I think it's always good to get things out in writing and to read other blogs who go face the same type of problems. Loved reading this!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
amileinherboots.blogspot.com
Definitely agree with that feeling unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteI'm also trying to not feel that way anymore, it can be a battle at times, but you have to start somewhere!
Oh I can relate to this so much...growing up I was always the "perfect" one...I always made the right decisions, got good grades in school, didn't get in trouble. It has been a challenge for me as an adult to branch out and try new things, knowing that I might now always succeed. Parenthood definitely helped with that, because we all know that you cannot be a perfect parent. :) Love the printable!
ReplyDeleteThere is no better motivator for change than your children! The easiest, or maybe not, way to build your child's self-esteem is to have good self-esteem. They need to hear you compliment yourself. I struggle with self-esteem but I'm doing everything I can to build it up so I can build theirs up too.
ReplyDeleteLove this!! It's so so true and it's imporant that you recognize this. Alea is a lucky little bug!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being real today! Your story is great, one that many can relate too! Isn't it funny how individuals and situations in life can change you for the better?!?
ReplyDeleteagree for sure! Thanks for being so real!
ReplyDeleteLife gets better with age!
So true Chelsea! I used to be the same way and it's awful. I still have to tell myself to calm down and just be myself :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post xoxo
Blessings,
Jacy
so true!!! I didn't grow up feeling that way...tho my sister did and STILL does think that way. Time to forward this post to her!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just like you! Type A, much? I like to nail things on the first go, or else. It's not a good way to be!
ReplyDeleteReading this made me think I was reading my own post. I am right there with ya.
ReplyDeletegood for you!!
ReplyDeleteLoved this. So soooo true!
ReplyDeleteThat feeling was a big part of my childhood as well. I was once lectured for an hour for a B in a class (I was a straight A student) and so I was so afraid to fail. It's not fair. I stress the "do your best, that is all we can ask" with the kids, but in one of my kids I feel perfectionism has already taken hold. :-)
ReplyDeleteYES! Mistakes are a part of life and definitely a big part of being human. The pressure of trying not to make mistakes is so heavy a load! I'm glad that you've lifted it off of your shoulders and is keeping it from resting on the shoulders of your little lady!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Mistakes are how we learn and yet it is hard to make them. Stopping by from SITS Sharefest on Twitter. :)
ReplyDelete