Saying NO to the critic

I am reminded today of a time back in 3rd grade, when a few of the 'popular' girls poked fun at me for what I was wearing. I was brand new to the school, and could only conclude that either 1) they were stupid and didn't know what they were talking about, or 2) what I was wearing really did make me uncool.

I am not sure where the point is in life when we start believing both other people and even the voice of the saboteur in our head more than what is reality about ourselves. Take for instance my example above...what if they had said I were fat, or too skinny, or just plain ugly, or stupid? Would I go on believing that about myself and try to fight against it my whole life, or choose to say, "NO, my clothes are what I love to wear, and I happen to love them, so go find someone else to pick on!"

Often, some things people say or what we hear in our minds might even hold some truth. Our power to overcome these negative thoughts, inner self-pity, tormenting voices, or just plain old bad habits, is to choose to say NO, even if some part of them is true or holds a place of comfort for us. If what we have bought into is keeping us from accessing our strength and real character, it is destructive. So what if we have gained a few pounds? We are not defined by the size of our waist. We get to decide what we will believe, how we will respond to our circumstances, and what choices we can make to live our lives with abundance and joy.

What will you say NO to today?