In the Shadows...

For years I played behind the shadows of others; other females in particular. As a shy child, I stayed behind my mother; in her shadow. As I grew up, I always had friends that were more outspoken, more self assured, more talented, smarter and bolder; so I thought. Moving into adulthood was no different. In the work place, in organizations and in social settings I always felt that I could not measure up to those around me, including my friends. So, I would fade to the back, as their shadow. As I have begun to transform into my best self, I've realized that the shadow game was my own. It was my own issue. Feeling like I couldn't measure up is a sign of low and poor self-esteem and self-image. If I can analyze myself, I'd say, to sum it up, that I was insecure. Self-realization is not easy. Reflecting on ones own insecurities is painful but can be very rewarding. It provides a great sense of release and awareness. The image shows a little girl without a crown but the shadow has one. The insecure woman may interpret it to mean that, that is what she wants to be but believes that she's not; that is what other women are. The woman that is assured of who she is may see it as; that is me, I am a queen or I strive to be a queen...I will be a queen.

If you are like me and have lived the majority of your life in the background and feeling like you can't measure up to those around you, you are living an unhealthy life. You have an unhealthy self-image. No two people are alike and we all have our own gifts and talents. We all have things to share and bring to the table. I have begun to walk out on my own and tap into what God has gifted me with, not what someone else's gifts are. I am a queen in my own right. I now see the image as who I am, not who I'm not.

Begin by reflecting on what your insecurities may be. Take the time to realize them. It may hurt at first but you must do the work. You can not release them without realizing them first. Once you realize them, take the next step to reflect on your gifts and not the gifts of someone else. Begin to exercise your gifts in your daily life.

You don't belong in the shadows. Acknowledge your gifts. Exercise your talents. Release the Queen that you are!

I do not own the rights to the image.

#Iamaqueen

#beblessedandbewell