Sticks and Stones- Giving Yourself Permission

cannot  (ˈkænɒt, kæˈnɒt)
— vb
	an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc; can not The hardest lesson I had to learn was one that was defeating me before I even started. The word CAN'T. As in- "I can't do that pose!" "I can't write" "I can't paint like that" "I can't fix that" I was defeating myself before I even started! And for what?!? Well mainly, fear. Fear of failure is what generally holds me back, but what I didn't understand was that I was failing myself before I even started by making my mind so pessimistic and final. CAN'T.   Part of the definition resounds loudly with me. Permission. And can't is 'withholding permission'. So right there you are telling you conscious and subconscious brain, "you don't have permission to do that, therefore your body and mind will not cooperate and you will not succeed." The end. So I failed, a lot. And then, I quit trying. Sound familiar? And then one day, I was watching a kid do a cartwheel, and walk on his hands- just fooling around, playing outside. And when he came near me I said "wow, you're really strong, how did you learn to do that?" And he replied like this-"I don't know, I've never done it before, but I wanted to see if I could." It was that simple. What?!? I had so many questions, but I'm sure I was already creeping his mom out.  I went home and really started to think about it. I'm a big supporter of mind over matter. But at the time, I really didn't consider the fact that my brain and spirit are ALWAYS listening, hearing and responding to what I say negative or positive, and almost immediately. I just assumed, if I told myself something positive, my energy would know it was for me, and If I made a negative statement-"I feel so fat today; I don't feel so good; I'm tired" my energy would know that I was being whiny and let it pass. But that's not how it works.  When you make a statement, it's out there, resonating and creating waves even if you don't believe so. There's such strength and energy in words- and they manifest when said with conviction, quickly.  So instead of saying "Gee, I don't know, I'm too ___________ to do that, I don't think I can, I can't do that."  Say- "That looks challenging, maybe I can do ________" "I think I can do ____________" The worse thing that could happen? You could accomplish something you've never tried before. You could start a practice of something difficult  and get better over time. You could even impress the hell outta yourself. The easiest way to accomplish anything is to be positive, give yourself permission, try hard, and keep trying, and for goodness sake- quit saying can't.

BITCH

Why? Why do we live in a society that thinks it's alright to refer to women- 

The mothers of this earth

- as bitches?

As you all may or may not know, I bartend on the weekend, and I hear this word more than any other word. And it sucks. What's worse is that I hear it from the ladies just as much as the men.

"Where my bitches at"
"Damn, did you see that bitch?"
"so there were these two bitches"
"Bitch Please"
"Look at that bitch"
"hey bitch!" usually said lovingly...which makes me cringe.

Never would I drop a derogatory term towards a type of people or person...there will be no N words, no F words, no words at all. If you'd like to describe someone why not be complimentary?!? Why be negative at all? And if you are going to be an asshole, why not be intelligent? You can't think of a more hateful way to talk about a women or another group of person that you obviously despise, other than bitch?!?

Oh, wait, you don't despise women?
Ladies, you mean, you don't hate each other?
Then what the hell is up with all the name calling?!?

Every single time we use this word, we weaken the walls of our femininity, and allow abuse to seep in a bit more. The cracks start to show, and negativity pours in; breeding jealousy, paranoia, envy...all emotions that are going to rid you of self esteem and self worth.

Try this-

"Where my ladies at?"
"Damn, did you see that beautiful and powerful female?"
"So there were these two women"
"Girl, please"
"Look at that female"
"Hey dear!" "Hey love!" " Hey babe!" Hey beautiful!" or "HEY"

It's up to us to lift one another up. Remember your power, and if you can, remind someone else of theirs.

Love Your Body

Raise your body image with the begining of my Official 

Body Consciousness Plan

I'm really working on myself inside and out. In doing so I've been figuring out things that work for me, and I think they'll work for you too! Let's follow these together and I'll post my results monthly...I can't wait to see what December will hold for my soul!

 1. Become aware of your negative body talk. Negativity affects you inside and out, I can't say it enough, there are enough negative people saying negative things about you, don't add to it! Only point out what you do like and repeat it to yourself daily. I love my butt, it's big, and round and well; baby got back. I love it...it makes my jeans look amazing and my dresses fit awesomely!

 2. Do an energy scan- Once a day (I do it after yoga, before meditation) sit down and close your eyes. Breathe in and out with deep evenly counted breaths. Turn your attention towards your body- starting at the tips of your toes, Notice if anything feels weird, pained, or tense. If it does, place your hand on that spot and concentrate on "breathing" positive oxygen into that spot.Continue to do that throughout your body. Dis-ease can't live in a place that is oxygenated. And it never hurts to envision light pouring into your hand as well!

 3. Talk with your body image- Sit in a comfortable position, breathing deeply and evenly. Close your eyes and envision yourself sitting across from you. Notice every detail of your image. Ask it questions- Are you okay? Do you have anything to tell me? To teach me? Make sure to tell your image how much you love it. Visualize giving yourself a hug and really loving yourself.When you are finished, journal your results. It's amazing what doing this monthly or so and journaling about it, what a difference you'll read in your writings.

I'll continue to add to this series throughout the month. Let's make November POSITIVE IMAGE MONTH! It never hurts to give yourself some lovin'!