SelfWorth

We’re Not Responsible For Our Thoughts But We Are Responsible For What We Give Light

When I first started walking this path, I used to beat myself up for the negative or old thoughts that crept into my mind. I thought I was failing somehow by still thinking them. But what I’ve come to learn—and remind myself of every day—is this: we’re not responsible for the thoughts that arise. We’re responsible for what we nurture, for what we choose to give light.

Negative thoughts will come and go. They always do. But judging ourselves for them only feeds the darkness.

A Journey of “Yes” and the Cloud Analogy

Early in this journey, I made a promise to myself: say “yes” to new ways of thinking. The old ways—the clinging, the control—weren’t working. I even signed up for a meditation class, hoping for relief from the noise in my head.

I’ll never forget that first class. As we settled into silence, a garbage truck began backing up outside. Beep, beep, beep. Instantly, frustration bubbled up in me. How dare this truck interrupt my serenity!

But the instructor’s voice broke through: “Acknowledge the sound. Let it go. Like a cloud moving across the sky.”

That image stuck with me. Over time, I learned to acknowledge the intrusive thoughts, ask if they served me, and then—let them drift away.

Thoughts Are Just Thoughts—Until We Give Them Power

We can’t control what we think. But we can control what we dwell on, what we give voice and weight to. Negative thinking doesn’t make us bad or broken—it makes us human.

What matters is what we do next. Will we cling to those thoughts and let them spiral us down? Or will we choose to counter them with something positive? Something we’re grateful for?

When I catch myself spiraling, I remember the cloud analogy. I visualize those thoughts floating away. I remind myself that I have the power to choose what I give light to.

SLAY OF THE DAY

Do you catch yourself judging your negative thoughts?
What’s the result?
How can you shift that judgment into curiosity or self-compassion?
What triggers those thoughts—and what might they be trying to tell you?
Can you counter them with gratitude or a positive affirmation?
Remember, it’s not about silencing every negative thought. It’s about not giving them the spotlight. Choose what serves you, and let the rest drift by.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
How do you handle negative thinking? What helps you shift from judgment to self-compassion?
Share your story in the comments below. Let’s lift each other up with real, honest conversations about our inner worlds.
And if you know someone who needs this message today—send it their way. We’re in this together.

Don’t Let Anyone Hold You Hostage In Your Past

There comes a time in our journey when we realize that some people will try to keep us tied to who we used to be.
They may not do it out of malice, but out of their own comfort or insecurity. They might not be ready to see the version of us that’s growing, changing, and stepping into the light.

But here’s the truth:
Who you were is not who you are today.

When I started working on myself, making better choices, and stepping into my authentic self, I noticed something:
Some people clung to the old version of me.
The version they were used to.
The one that made them feel more comfortable, or even superior.

At first, I tried to prove them wrong.
I tried to explain, to show them through my words and actions that I had changed.
I exhausted myself trying to pull them into the present with me.
But eventually, I realized—
That’s not my job.

Your growth isn’t for other people to validate.
Your evolution isn’t up for debate.
You don’t have to prove to anyone how far you’ve come.

Show, Don’t Tell

People will either catch up or they won’t.
Some will need time to adjust to the new you.
That’s okay.

You don’t need to convince them.
Live your truth.
Let your actions speak louder than words.

If they’re holding you hostage in your past, it says more about them than it does about you.
Their inability to see your growth comes from their own fear or insecurity.
It’s not your burden to carry.

Your Growth Is For You

As you continue to step into the person you’re becoming, remember:
It’s not your job to wait for others to catch up.
It’s your job to keep growing, keep evolving, and keep showing up for yourself.

Some people will see your light and rise with you.
Others will stay stuck in the version of you that makes them comfortable.

Let them.
You don’t have to dim your light or shrink back into old patterns to make others feel safe.

Keep Moving Forward

You’ve worked too hard to stay stuck.
Don’t let anyone’s outdated view of you keep you from stepping into your full potential.

You’re not here to live in the past.
You’re here to thrive in the present and build a future you’re proud of.

SLAY OF THE DAY

Are you letting someone hold you hostage in your past?
Why?
How does it feel to carry their expectations?
Are you ready to stand tall in your growth?

Write down one step you can take today to honor who you are becoming.
Take it.
Your story deserves to keep moving forward.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have you ever felt held back by someone’s outdated view of you?
How did you handle it?
What’s one action you can take today to stand tall in your growth?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s lift each other up.
And if you know someone who needs this reminder—send it their way.
We rise when we lift each other.

See Yourself Through Kinder Eyes

You may not know this, but you’re awesome. Yes, you. Just as you are, right now.

Before you list off all the reasons why you think you’re not—pause. Take a deep breath. And say this with me: thank you. Say it out loud. Feel it. Because the version of you that exists in this moment holds real value. Is this the final version of you? Of course not. Growth is the point. But that doesn’t mean the current you isn’t worthy of appreciation. In fact, it’s the only place you can start from. And that starting place? It’s already more than enough.

You Are Not a Project to Fix

We live in a world that tells us to constantly improve, upgrade, do better. And while growth is beautiful, the danger comes when we internalize the message that we are inherently broken or lacking. You are not a problem to solve. You’re a person to love—flaws, strengths, contradictions, and all.

What if, instead of zeroing in on your imperfections with a magnifying glass, you looked at yourself the way you look at the people you care about? What if you saw your kindness, your effort, your humor, your compassion? What if, for once, you gave yourself credit for how far you’ve come and what you’ve survived?

Celebrate What’s Already Good

Think of someone you love. Got them in your mind? Good. Now list three things you love about them. Easy, right? Now imagine them doing that same thing for you. Because they do. They already see it. So why not try seeing it too?

When we take time to reflect on our bright spots, we start to shift the internal narrative. Instead of constantly chasing who we think we should be, we start appreciating who we already are. Gratitude becomes the bridge between who you are now and the version of you you’re growing into.

Try this: pick three things you love or appreciate about yourself. Say them out loud. Write them down. Make them real. These are not small things. They’re the roots of your growth.

The Truth About Being “Enough”

You are enough. That doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement. It means that where you are right now is a valid, worthy, and powerful place to begin. You don’t need to punish yourself into change. You need to love yourself into it.

When you believe you are enough, something magical happens: you become willing to show up for your growth, not from a place of shame, but from a place of hope. That’s where lasting transformation lives.

So thank yourself. Thank yourself for surviving. For trying. For showing up today. Because that kind of self-acknowledgment leads you directly into who you’re meant to become. It’s not ego—it’s truth.

SLAY Reflection: Let That Good In

Here’s your moment to reflect, journal, or simply sit with these questions.

  1. When you think of yourself, do you feel like you are enough? Why or why not?

  2. What parts of you are you proud of? List at least three.

  3. How has self-criticism held you back in the past? How can self-compassion move you forward now?

  4. Think of a time when someone complimented you. What did they see that you didn’t?

  5. What would change if you focused on the good in yourself, instead of only the areas that need “fixing”?

SLAY Acronym:

  • S: See yourself through loving eyes.

  • L: Let go of the critical voice.

  • A: Appreciate what makes you, you.

  • Y: Yield to growth—not because you’re broken, but because you deserve more.

Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one thing you can appreciate about yourself today, even if it feels small?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.

And if you know someone who’s struggling to see their own light, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.