Courageous Encounters

Two identities can lead into withdrawal: Shyness and
negativity. These indicators are closing us out from the world.
It's like a turtle sticking its neck out, then pulling it back into its
shell. You're too bashful to speak to anybody. When you lose
your beautiful smile, sinking deep into depression, you lose
hope of ever accomplishing anything. How do you get out of
this mess or slump you're in?

We need a courageous encounter to pull yourself out of this
kind of dilemma. First of all, get yourself two file boxes and
some index cards. Name one as the Dilemma Box and the
second one as the Courageous Encounter Box. Whatever
the dilemma is, write it down and put it in box #1. In box #2,
write down the baby steps you would take to build up your
courage.

Perhaps you're shy about going into a professional office.
Finding out what they're able to help you with, can be scary.
Just getting there seemed to be a problem, but you took the
first step. You made it there. This would be considered a
courageous encounter.

Maybe you didn't feel like doing anything on a particular day.
Just getting out of bed in the morning is another courageous
encounter.

Getting into a car can be a struggle for you at times, but you
did it! I'm so proud of you! This was one more courageous
encounter.

To make you feel better about yourself, the most wonderful
thing you can do, is to have some courageous encounters.
It's like a little kitten looking into a mirror, and it sees a lion.
Give yourself a hug and a pat on the back. You are worthwhile
and loved. Tell yourself that, and little by little your shyness
and negativity will go away. Now you have the strength you
didn't know you had.


Written by Anna Marie Carlson
Sunday, July 21, 2019