'I'm Not Good Enough' Said SpongeBob, Never!

'I'm Not Good Enough' Said SpongeBob, Never!
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Sponge Bob's got it figured out, man. He soaks it all in, processes it, and then squeezes out what doesn't work for him. He doesn't beat around the bush, doesn't mince words or try to be something he's not. He's a sponge. He knows it. He's good with that.

I 've had a few conversations recently revolving around self-confidence, self-worth and insecurities. Why is it that we allow others to have more say about who we are and what we're about, than we do ourselves? Why is it that we are more concerned about the image we're projecting or how others perceive us? Sponge Bob is a 'take me or leave me' kind of guy, and yet he has a massive following. Why is that? He is totally comfortable in his own sponge! He doesn't question why he is the way he is, why he's a sponge, what happened to him when he was young. He just lives. Pretty simple.

I'm not saying that in the 'over the sea' real world we don't go through hard things that need healing or help. What I am saying is that we are in charge of our own process. We get to decide how we affect life....or how it affects us. As Julia Roberts says in one of her movies, "I say WHO, I say WHEN...I say WHO." Haha here's me, discussing Sponge Bob and Pretty Woman in thoughts about life. Oh the places we can find life lessons!

The point is, we spend so much energy on regret, on 'what ifs', on the "I'm not good enough" mentality. Isn't it time to take all that crap and fling it into the deepest waters and let it drown?

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Each of us has amazing gifts that need to be shared so that others can experience them. Why lock them up like a treasure at the bottom of the sea? I know deep down why I've had my struggles. I was typically one who needed acceptance and affirmation. I think we all need that to some degree. What I'm realizing is that I've totally ripped myself off (and possibly others) from what's inside, what I have to give, and the joy that comes from being my authentic self. With a little help from my friends - cartoon or otherwise - I have come to affirm and accept myself. This is starting point of truly living.

I know I'm making light of a serious topic, but sometimes saying it differently registers differently. Now is as good a time as any to silence the stories that hold us back, and allow ourselves to fully experience the truth of who we are. If not now, when?

Below are a few questions to reflect on and consider. It may be worthwhile to write out your answers so you can reference it, reflect or review at any time. It's a great way to go back and acknowledge how far you've come, where you may be stuck and renew your commitment to forward movement.

  • Where did the story start?
  • Is it true?
  • What made you believe or accept it as being true?
  • What action can you take to overwrite the tape that plays those negative messages in your head
  • (Maybe an episode of Sponge Bob might help?)

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Change your relationship status with the person who feeds the story. Easier said than done I know, just one aspect to consider.
  • See a counselor or therapist. It might just well be the best thing you ever do for yourself.
  • Write out your strengths and read them to yourself every day.
  • Seek out people who will add value to you and your thought processes. This is such a powerful tool. We are designed for connection. Trying to make strides on your own can reinforce isolation and remaining in unhealthy patterns. Reach out. People want to help.
  • Recognize that you are the only one who can take the necessary steps to create a new experience empty of the untrue parts of our story.

Sponge Bob lives in a pineapple under the sea and he's okay with that. As he always says, "Be true to yourself."

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." Dr. Seuss

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