Demons out: a response

On her blog, my sister –in-law decided to exorcise her securities as a New Year’s resolution. She posed some interesting questions about how to deal with insecurities. She tagged a few women to answer her questions. It is a bit personal and the more I (TSP) thought on it, the more personal it became. If this is not the stuff you like to read, feel free to skip over it.

How to you manage your insecurities?

I really don’t. I mean, sometimes, I feel like I am so inadequate that I doubt I really have anything to offer. It is in those moments that I realize I have to take control of my destiny. I can either listen to those thoughts and never do anything or listen to the encouraging thoughts and feel empowered and proactive. I don’t always listen to the positive thoughts. Sometimes I wallow in the feelings of inadequacy. The hope I have is that as time goes by I wallow less and act more. I hope that little by little my strengths will be more apparent and my insecurities less trouble.

What helps you remember your worth?

I think I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I do things even if they scare me and try not to cave in to the temptations of fear. For me, it is fear that erodes my self-worth more than anything. If I do this, I have a reservoir of memories that help me know that that I can overcome anything. Most of life’s problems, including insecurity, can be overcome with moving forward.

However, probably the most important aspect in remembering my worth is fostering a relationship with a Heavenly Father that loves me. Since I was a young child I have always felt his love. Sometimes, in the dark moments of life, I have forgotten about His love and that has always been devastating to my self-worth. As I try to remember the power of His love and the firm notion that he has a plan for me on this earth, I feel empowered and worthwhile.

Traits I like about myself

Wow, this is much harder than it should be. I guess I just feel more comfortable with self-effacing than I do with self-promoting. Here it goes:

1. My visual-spacial skills help me organize spaces (like closets and car trunks).
2. I adapt/invent new recipes. I know what to substitute if ingredients are not available (a very important skill when one lives overseas.)
3. I am good at connecting people. I love to welcome people and get them in touch with others of similar interests.

I would like to tag:  Carli, MariLouise and Susan