Big Apple is infused with a renewed sense of energy and excitement. The autumn breeze rattled the windows. Aaliyah and I were wrapped around each other’s arms. I was reading out the famous lines by Rumi, Aaliyah’s all-time favorite. The doorbell rang and it was Kate on the door. Happy and excited she hugged us when she entered and then handed over a wrapped gift with a note that said: To the sweetest people I know, Sweetest Day is here! Can’t thank you both enough for being my strength- Love, Kate.
“What is all this Kate? You look so happy!” I said. “Sorry for intruding into your romance time my star couple, but I just couldn’t contain the excitement. I had to break this news to you in person,” she replied. “So tell us what it is? We want to hear,” said Aaliyah.
“I am finally selected for a modeling project. Can you guys believe it? I could finally make it,” she answered. “Congrats!” both Aaliyah and I expressed together. “All thanks to you Bob. I can’t thank you enough for this breakthrough,” she said. “Me? What have I done?” I asked with surprise.
“You helped me to come out of an old habit which was hindering my progress. You made me realize how destructive it was,” she answered. I was still confused and she could read it on my face.
“Remember how I was all engrossed in negative self-talk last year? I was at the bottom of my confidence level?” she asked. “Oh yes, I remember,” I replied. “It was you who made me get out of that. You asked me to treat it like a friend and counter it with a positive thought every time with a strong conviction. That helped. I did that and it worked wonders,” she expressed.
It was not easy for Kate. Repeated rejections had taken a toll on her morale. Absorbed in negative self-talk, she started doubting herself. It took her time but she finally got out of it. “I am glad that you overcame it. You did it! It feels great to see you succeed and get back to your dream,” I said.
Meanwhile, yummy mushroom pepperoni pizza got delivered and it was served with some yummy cookies that Aaliyah had baked especially for Cookie Month. We celebrated this small victory of Kate together.
Getting rid of an unhealthy old habit isn’t a cakewalk, especially when you fail to realize that it is self-harming. Regular monitoring of thoughts and knowing when to draw the line really helps. The inner critic is helpful to a point when it makes us improve ourselves rather than instilling in us the belief that we are not good enough for any desired outcome. The negative musings pull you back and don’t let you believe in your potential. We should never let that happen. Have faith in yourself and the universe, always!
