Are you fighting for the life you want?

There are moments that define your life...and then sometimes you look back and you don't notice just one individual moment, but rather a combination of MANY different things that end up changing who you are. 

I (Laura) feel like that's how my life has been. Anyone else feel that way? Growing up I was extremely shy and had to fight the thoughts that told me I wasn't good enough. You know those thoughts...the ones that sit in the back of your mind and no matter what you do or how many times you succeed, they just won't go away. Defeating those voices has made me who I am today. The journey hasn't been easy. It's been bumpy and curvy but I can honestly say that I love the person I've become and who I'm becoming! Here are a few things I've done over the last few years that have pushed me and helped me out:

1) I stopped looking at magazines and watching TV shows that made me feel like I needed to be "more" or have more. The media sucks. It causes you to compare and comparison kills ALL joy and self love you might have. Don't get me wrong...I love a good smutty magazine like People or Fitness Magazine ;) but I flip through them very, very rarely. 

2) I hung around people that lifted me up and didn't make me feel like I needed to be something I wasn't...and they didn't make me feel like I needed to HAVE more. They loved me for who I was. They made me feel safe so I was able to open up and be myself. It's true when they say you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. If you're feeling drained and unhappy, look around...do you need to be more intentional about your relationships?

3) Reading books and listening to audio/podcasts that pushed my brain into different directions. If you're not intentional about learning and changing yourself and your thinking, it won't happen. Period. It's an easy thing to do, but it's also really really easy to skip it when life gets busy. 

4) Prayer and spending time with Jesus. Finding my identity in CHRIST and nothing else was the NUMBER ONE thing I did. I kept a journal, read my bible to find the truths that give life, hope and peace, and did a daily devotional every day. I've been going through this devotional every day for the last 8 years I think...it's amazing. I would HIGHLY recommend it if you're looking for one!! And don't be afraid to underline and mark up your books. That's one of the best ways I learn.

Bottom line: if you want to change the way you view yourself, you have to DO something about it. Figure out where you struggle the most and where those voices are attacking you and attack back!!