The Pressures of Society

So here’s the truth.  I was initially pretty nervous about doing the Women’s Life Summit video.  It was easy to let my mind wander with thoughts of what everyone was going to think about how I spoke or how I looked.  What if people thought I did a horrible job?  What if someone out there thinks I’ve gained a lot of weight in the last 10 years?  What if I look silly in front of the camera? It is easy to be influenced by the thoughts that can constantly overwhelm our mind and the pressures of society to be perfect.  The thing is, look how many of those thoughts and pressures keep us from doing what we really want to do?

I have never considered myself to be a very good writer.  Writing this blog is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I’m never going to be a good writer unless I work at it and have someone critique me.  The days I feel insecure, I remind myself of the reason for doing the Women’s Life Summit and sharing thoughts on this blog:  I want women to realize that how they think and feel is NORMAL.

We’ve talked a lot about “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”  So many of the reasons why we never attempt to answer that question is because we are so worried about what everyone else thinks.  I was the same way when I first thought about doing the video.  The thing is, what does it really matter what others think?  Can you really call the people who don't support you friends anyway?  Why surround yourself with people that aren’t going to encourage you and ultimately get you to heaven?  This is your life.  You have the power to choose how you want to live it.  Don’t give in to society.  Follow what is in your heart.  

So whether you are making a drastic life change because you want to get out of debt, go back to college and get a different degree or become more active in your church, you have to remind yourself of WHY you are doing it.  Then remember that most of your thoughts and feelings are exactly what everyone else is feeling.  Just by knowing that, it is amazing how it can give you a boost of encouragement to pick yourself up and continue on.

Are you feeling like you’re never good enough no matter how hard you try? Wishing your husband could read your mind so you wouldn’t have to explain what you feel all the time?  Depressed with how your body is changing? I’ve been there too.  It’s okay.  It’s normal.  Now change your way of thinking and focus on something that makes you happy and excited about life.  The rest will come.  Trust me. :)

~L