I AM ENOUGH...AND SO ARE YOU

Every day at 4:00 my phone alarm alerts me with the label, I AM ENOUGH; a gentle reminder from me to me. At the age of 54, I should be a confident woman who knows her own worth, and being a child of God, I should know that I was born enough. Period.

Truly, I have lived a lifetime of successes and achievements, I have met daunting tasks head on, and I have overcome challenges with grace. I have raised my children, cultivated a 33-year marriage, earned two college degrees, enjoyed a rewarding teaching career, volunteered in my communities, and earned my real estate salesperson license in two states. More importantly, I try to live in service to others and devotion to God. (Why did I just feel the need to make this list??)

Why then, do I need a daily reminder from me to me that I am enough? I have made my fair share of mistakes, but I have forgiven and moved on.

I can’t possibly be the only person who feels this way, the only person who is perceived to be self-confident by others (but maybe isn’t so much), the only person who needs to believe at her core that she is enough. If you are reading this, maybe you can relate.

So, where does this feeling of lack originate? After some very deep, very honest soul-searching, I believe that fear is the root cause. Fear of not being accepted, fear of being found out (imposter syndrome- listen here), fear of losing loved ones, fear of abandonment. I realized that all of my fears truly stem from the need for outer validation.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with self-improvement and striving for excellence, the only validation anyone should really need comes from within, from our Higher Self, our connection, our oneness with God.

I must make a habit of cultivating my faith, which comes through love instead of fear. By letting go, being authentic, resting in God, choosing joy, showing gratitude, being in the present moment, and remembering to breathe, I am being enough.

My phone alarm gives me other reminders throughout the day, too. At 8:00 am - Be grateful, 10:00 am – Choose to be here, 2:00 pm – Bring joy, 4:00 pm – I am enough, 7:00 pm – Love. Little reminders that keep me intentional in developing my habit of growing a love-centered faith.

If you find yourself lacking confidence, joy, or gratitude, I challenge you to be intentional, set some reminders for yourself that are rooted in love, and rest in God. Build your faith with the knowing that you were born enough!