I recently got an ad in the mail in the form of a survey.
It is a compilation of questions about everything from decisions my parents made to my own decisions as a mother, and in between, all kinds of decisions I’ve made as an adult woman.
This assessment is supposed to be mailed back in the handy postage-paid, self-addressed envelope they provided so they can basically tell you everything that is wrong with you and, naturally, how they can help you “fix it.”
While I believe in Plato’s maxim “Know Thyself,” I think that self-analysis is a waste of time, or even worse, a destructive practice when it is done for the purpose to find out what’s wrong with you and what made you do it (or not do it) or how you have a problem for choosing so.
The quality of our questions really helps determine the qualities of our lives. Questions are requests. “Ask and ye shall receive” is a pretty clear statement.
What if instead of questioning ourselves because of past experiences that didn’t go so well, we became curious about the potential we have and how those experiences have equipped us for a better life?
Here are 3 guidelines for writing intentional lists to know yourself and manifest what you want:
Let’s talk about them!
Write in Present or Future Tense…
Forget the past. Truth is, as much as you get to the root of it and understand every detail, the past CAN NOT BE ALTERED. You can only take TODAY and make a difference. There will be TODAYs in your future, too. TODAY is the only DAY that counts.
Be a Curious Positive Believer…
Walt Whitman said once: Be curious, not judgmental, and that applies to self. We must stop judging ourselves and pointing fingers… let’s get curious about the possibilities that lie ahead. The gift of a new day means that you can and must experience life as it was intended: it is God’s desire that you be happy and know how loved YOU are! If you believe it, let your language show it!
Don’t be Stingy … or Greedy…
When you’re seeking manifestation, remember the limitless abundance of blessings and miracles that God provides each day. You can and do have access to much more than we can all imagine… ASK for it! In the same way, you mustn’t be shy about asking you must ask consciously and conscientiously. Greed makes us blind and ineligible for the amazing power of service and contribution.
I apply “Know Thyself” in every aspect of my life and I have taken it seriously. I make lists of questions and statements and requests. I write letters and scripts. I analyze and assess, and most importantly:
- I forgive myself for what made me unhappy, unbalanced, upset, or unwell.
- I celebrate myself for what made me happy, grateful, and excited.
- I embrace the divine greatness within me as a Child of God and the endless possibilities He’s provided.
So… what’s wrong with me? Who’s got time to waste? I’d rather be dancing!
Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.
Want to support the Positive MOM blog?
The mission of the Positive MOM blog is to help moms break trauma cycles, find peace, and feel emotionally whole, so they can practice supportive parenting and create a positive and healthy environment for their children. If you found Elayna’s content valuable, please consider donating a love offering to enable her to keep creating content and helping more moms worldwide. Donate HERE.