Yes You CAN!

I don't have the best self-esteem.

Even at my goal, it's just not my strong point. All of the positive affirmations and sunshine in the world sometimes can't drag me out of seeing everything that is wrong with me instead of the positive changes I have made in my life. I assume that I can't do things, rather than the other way around.

Sometimes all it takes is somebody else saying what you already know out loud to make you really think about it. My bikram instructor does not care about wobbles, falls, hops, and general awkwardness. All he asks is that you try: "Don't assume you can't. ALWAYS assume you can." I have nearly fallen flat on my face in his class numerous times, in which case he just tells me to take a breath and try again.

I didn't realize what a profound impact his words had on me until I was suddenly doing this a few nights ago:

What? Me? Balance on my hands while resting my legs on my elbows? Are. You. Crazy? I tried every single time I practiced to do this and eventually gave up thinking, "I just don't have the strength or core to do arm balances." So I stopped trying. I assumed I couldn't do it. But when Cameron said "always assume you can," I tried again. And tried, and tried, and fell on my face, and tried. And one day all of a sudden I did it. Now I can do it almost every time and even hold it for awhile. 

"Do a shoulder stand without holding my back? Oh yeah, like I have the abdominal strength. Also, a surgically repaired shoulder."

But I did it!

"Put my feet over my head without lifting my arms off of the ground? Okay, um, my back, neck, and hamstrings are the most inflexible parts I have and my abs are less than steel-like. You're out of your mind."

"How did I get here???" I did it. And with a fractured/dislocated tailbone! (Don't worry--doctor cleared me for yoga, just nothing that puts pressure on it for a couple months.)

For as soulless of a company as it is, Nike has the right idea on one item: Just do it. You are only bound by your mind. Anything and everything is possible. I take these pictures during practice to remind myself that I can do things I never thought I was strong enough to try. Sometimes we need to stop over-thinking and go for it. So my theme for 2013 is this:

Grab the bull by the horns and try. You can do it. I believe in you.

Neen, you are as always, and inspiration.

I am fogged by all of my doubts and disbelief in myself as well. I always choose to see the negative side of myself and my abilities. I hope I can get through them like you have.

By the way, that tattoo is awesome :)

Thank you! The Story of Ferdinand is one of those books that always stuck with me. The bull who would not fight always reminds me to be myself, do what makes me happy, and be a peaceful citizen of the planet.

You are such an inspiration and so right. Just like you I often sell myself short. In the less than six months of this journey,I have learned that I can do so much more than I ever thought I could. Thanks for this inspiration!

Great Job!!  You truly do inspire others.  Thank you for sharing, it sometimes does get "lost" the need for self affirmation.  You are FABULOUS!