In this series, “More Than This,” I profile people who bring more to their lives in simple and profound ways.
How many of us ever really feel like we’re enough? The more I talk with people about their desires, dreams, or even just their daily lives, I get the sense that most of us rarely reach that nirvana moment of absolute o.k.ness. That holy instant where we are perfect and whole, just as we are, right in this moment – well, I think it qualifies as a miracle. It’s that rare.
Which is why I enjoy the company of my good friend, Jennifer, who has made a life choice to believe in that miracle as much as she possibly can. Besides being a Certified Personal Trainer and Ordained Reverand, Jennifer is one of the truth tellers in my life. Often times, when I utter words of doubt about myself, she will look me straight in the eye and remind me that I’m perfect and whole, just as I am right now. I am enough. Sometimes, her reminder hits me like a blunt balloon; stern on the outside with just the right amount of give. But, I’m always thankful to hear authentic encouragement. My heart pants at the idea of feeling like enough.
But sometimes it takes a stern talking-to. I know Jennifer’s firm reminders are directed towards that thing in me that would believe the worst, and not me, the beautiful one she believes in. It’s almost as if her words are a sword that splice between me and the lies I believe about myself. Our ultimate enoughness is that sure, that true.
Still, Jennifer is no angel. Like most of us, she struggles with purpose and the meaning to her life. Yet, Jennifer has protected a child-like pureness in her hope. She’s kept hoping without getting desperate or setting herself up for disappointment. She describes her hope as “positive expectation.”
How does Jennifer maintain such a positive outlook? She’s made a choice to believe that she’s enough, just as she is. That’s it: a choice.
That seems simple; almost too simple. But, this choice is exactly where the magic happens. It’s as if all we need to do is become aware that we are o.k., right here, right now. We don’t have to wrestle the doubts down; we don’t have to wrangle the worries.
By seeing our enoughness, we automatically separate ourselves from the doubts and worries, and we return to the truth of who we always are.
And that’s the miracle part; that we could believe the best no matter what’s going on. Because, believe me, when you begin trying to choose the best over what needs fixing, what could be better, and or just what you want instead – then you’ll understand why I call it a miracle. It’s a challenge to choose enoughness.
To help the rubber hit the road, let’s look at an example.
I say to myself, “I am absolutely perfect as I am right here, right now.” When I say it, I feel fake. Something so different from the regular reel of doubt and fear feels fake when I first start doing it. I hate feeling fake. But, when I keep on choosing my own perfection over all the talk-back in my head, something miraculous begins to happen. I begin to see the negative banter for what it really is – just another way to think. The way I’m NOT choosing. It’s as if the light has illuminated the darkness that I didn’t know was blinding me.
Then, as I keep on believing in my best, I start to see moments in my day when the best actually arises. Suddenly, that one thing doesn’t need fixing anymore because I’m already o.k. Nothing needs to be better because I’m starting to have a little fun with this positive expectation. And, I’m already getting what I’ve always wanted: enough! I’ve found Heaven! There’s nothing fake about that.
And I’ve learned all this through my friend Jennifer. Thank you, Jennifer, for your positive expectation and insistence on seeing the perfection inside me. I see Jennifer standing under a waterfall of hope because she knows that’s where the good stuff comes out. Wouldn’t you like to stand beside her? There’s room for more.
Jennifer loves to help people make their dreams come true with both personal training and spiritual counseling. She also loves to celebrate love by ordinating weddings! If you’d like to ask Jennifer how she can help you make your dream come true, you can call her at 406.370.9631 or e-mail Jennifer@simplicityinspirit.com.
Shelby specializes in what it means to become Radically Authentic in all areas of life. She recently completed her first book, entitled Church Picnic: How God Saved Me from My Religion. You can find out more about Shelby and read sneak peeks of her new book by cruising on over to www.shelbyhumphreys.com
