Let’s talk about The Little Engine that Could and using positive thoughts to empower you when you feel like giving up.

I love story and remember my Mom reading that book to me; and then my reading it to my kids. Our reactions were the same. We both got so excited watching that little engine climb his way up to the top of the mountain to become triumphant; as he kept saying “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”

That story teaches us about perseverance, about encouraging ourselves along the way and about using words that will empower us to victory. It teaches us how our thoughts and beliefs can help to create our reality. It’s a story about overcoming, rising to meet the challenge, and going after our dream.

For the little engine, it was about chugging up an actual mountain. For me, chugging up my mountains have taken on different forms throughout the years.

They’ve been about doing the inner work to heal from the past. They’ve been about rebuilding businesses that didn’t work. They’ve been about conquering and overcoming my eating disorder. They’ve been about trusting God when I couldn’t see the “how” and so much more. Most recently, they’ve been about redesigning my life after the unexpected loss of my Mom, myself, and the way I thought life would be.

There were times during each of those journeys that I felt powerless, defeated, and wanted to give up. The rise back up was too hard, too painful, too exhausting and taking too long.

Yet every time I was about to declare, “I’m done!” God reminded me of the power of my own thoughts and words and how to use them to become victorious; just like “The Little Engine That Could.” And so, I started using thoughts to empower myself along my journey. One word at a time. One thought at a time. One day at a time.

What about you? Are you trudging along a tough road? Is the distance taking longer than you thought? Are the hills steeper than originally anticipated? Do you feel disempowered and want to give up?

I get it and you’re not alone. But, before you say, “I’m Done,” try repeating and meditating on some of the thoughts below to empower you.

Here’s a list of 12 thoughts that may help you get to the top of your “mountain” and experience victory on the other side.

While the circumstances of life can sometimes be painful and hard, it truly is up to us to shape ourselves and create the lives we want to lead. If you’re stuck, try focusing on the smallest actions you can take to move your live in a better direction. This is an ongoing journey you will take.

# 2: There are many different ways to get to the same place.

If you try something new and it doesn’t work out, you can still get the outcome you want. All you need to do is assess the situation, determine where you went wrong, and ensure you don’t repeat the same mistake when you repeat the process. Just try achieving your goal in a different way. The outcome is in your hands.

# 3: I embrace new challenges and find ways to overcome the obstacles that come up.

Just because you experience a roadblock or obstacle, it doesn’t mean you have to sit down and feel defeated. You simply get up, dust yourself off, and go again. Figuring out how to overcome your obstacles by seeing things differently is very empowering. It reveals our true character.

# 4: Being vulnerable and honest makes me strong.

Vulnerable doesn’t mean weak. You can use your vulnerabilities to fuel your self-belief. In your own vulnerability, you will find empathy, authenticity, and accountability. What could be more empowering than that?

# 5: I am not my past, I am my present.

… and, my future is all about who I choose to become. It’s impossible to go back to the past to right your wrongs or correct your mistakes. Nor can you fast forward to see how the future works out. Your future you will be shaped by who you are in the present and the present You, is where you should put your focus.

# 6: I am excited to learn new things and apply them to my life.

Learning new things on a regular basis is something that keeps you feeling alive. Seek knowledge, no matter how much you know, how many degrees you have, or how clever you think you are. You should constantly look to better yourself by gaining new knowledge.

# 7: I love and embrace myself with my imperfections and mistakes.

We all make mistakes, struggle with our own issues, and have regrets. However, you are not the sum of your mistakes, nor are you defined by the struggles you have experienced, or your past indiscretions. All those experiences are lessons that can add value to the person you can choose to be today.

# 8: My dreams are possible, and I am taking steps to bring them to life every day.

You were given your dreams on purpose for a purpose. Just make sure you create doable goals and achievements to keep yourself motivated and empowered. It’s you small, consistent actions that will bring your dreams to life.

# 9: I am trusting myself to figure it out.

You don’t need to have all the answers to start. You just need enough information to take the next right step. Focus on what you can change, fix or do today to move you towards where you want to go. Trust yourself to figure it out as you go along and gather more insights.

# 10: I can experience joy amidst my struggles.

You can be grateful and struggle at the same time. You can choose to notice the little, everyday things in your life that are good, positive, and working. You can take time to laugh and do something that lights you up every day; even if it’s only for a few minutes.

# 11: I am brave and doing it afraid.

Your belief should be greater than your fear.  You have a choice to act from fear and limit yourself or act from faith and step out of your comfort zone into new opportunities and possibilities. Choosing to be brave doesn’t mean you have no fear, it just means that your faith is stronger than your fear.

# 12: I am choosing to believe in ME.

You were given gifts, talents, wisdom, discernment, and abilities to use in your life. You need to trust that you have many of the answers and capabilities you need within you. Sometimes it’s just a matter of remembering who we are, what we have accomplished and what we’ve been given.

Remember….

Our thoughts are as powerful as our actions in creating the life we want to live.

Start practicing these thoughts daily and see how much change they create in you, your behaviors, and your life. Put them in your phone. Write them in your journal. Carry them in your wallet. Meditate on them in your free time. Look at yourself in the mirror and say them aloud.

These small, but powerful, actions can help you rise and thrive in your daily life.

YOUR TURN……….

If you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to hear from YOU.

Which of the ideas above resonates with you most? Do you have another favorite thought or mantra you use to empower You?

Leave a comment below and share what’s on your mind.

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Remember, you were made to thrive,

Eleni

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