Believe
One of the things I struggle most with in life, is believing in myself. I've always experienced life somewhat as an outsider looking in, and wondered what it is that makes me feel like the proverbial "square peg in a round hole". With age, I learned to care less about fitting in and grew to appreciate more the unique contribution I have to make.
But a recent flux of disappointments, missteps and failures have left me once again questioning my place and value in the big scheme of things. Can I believe in my inherent value when outer success is elusive and external evidence points to the contrary? Perhaps this is the single most important ingredient of truly successful people - this ability to continue to believe in yourself despite external factors? Can you keep creating your art, even when there is no audience for it? Can you keep campaigning for a cause you deeply care about, even if it seems little change is affected? Can you keep loving, even if that love feels unappreciated? It's easy to believe in yourself when things are going well, when the stars align and miracles happen. But to believe in yourself when things go wrong, when you feel unclear and unsure, now that takes a far deeper conviction. I'm working on it!!
"You may be the only person left who believes in you, but that’s enough.
It takes the glimmer of just one star to pierce a universe of darkness.
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF."
~ Marc Chernoff