If you have ever been taunted by expressions of doubt (either cast by others or whispered from within your own head) I hope that these quotes will help. And of course, looking at artwork by my favorite artist, is likely to bring on a generally pleasant feeling, too.
I suppose that if it is others who cause you doubt your abilities, you should simply pay them no mind. And while that’s easier said than done, the truth is that what other people think of you is really none of your business!
But when it is self-doubt, it may be helpful to explore what purpose that doubt serves. Could it be that by holding sufficient self-doubt that we are trying protect ourselves from failure? That may sound like a logical and even good goal – protect self from failure. But if that same doubt prevents you from even trying, can it be good?
Maybe the best response to doubt is a phrase taught to me by a lovely lady who I met at a church many years ago. Her advice is brilliantly simple. “Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts.”
Let’s agree to be careful that we aren’t letting our doubts keep us from growth or progress that we deserve and are capable of. When you hear a doubt – kick it out!
Here’s how my favorite artist put it…
If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent van Gogh
Here’s how my favorite American wise guy put it…
“Do the thing you fear the most, and the death of fear is certain,” – Mark Twain
Have a beaYOUtiful day, my brave friend!
