What we feed our mind grows and becomes our reality. Awareness is the first step in releasing the old habitual patterns of lack of self-confidence and self-worth, so that we can start living and breathing the feelings of a full life.

Since the true richness of life comes from within, self-consciousness does not mean physical things. It is feeling safe, peaceful and the ability to enjoy some of life’s pleasures. So if we find ourselves in less than healthy and ideal situation, let us take a moment and ask ourselves whether this relates at all to our feelings of self-worth and self-love; or is this something that we are responsible for creating the reality that we are living?

I was very fortunate to have read early in life the Power of Positive Thinking by Rev. Norman Vincent Peale. I did learn that we are what we think we are; that having difficulties in life is a process; and that better things do not happen overnight. Since then, I have kept on learning that when we take some time reflecting our self-worth, self-love and faith in God, then develop a system of self-affirmation and suggestion, we can transform ourselves from negative to positive thinkers, to optimistic and determined go-getters.

Whenever I am depressed and downhearted, I sit down in silence for few minutes as I followed the rhythm of my breath; focus my attention on my heart center and be aware of what changes inside me. I have learned that once we are aware of what’s inside us, we can change it. Once we can see that we are sabotaging and impairing ourselves, we can choose to deepen our spiritual practices. This energizes us and increases our faith and confidence; helping us to take action, which leads to a more fulfilling reality.

As I repeat this exercise and I make some affirmations, e.g.. “I am worthy,“ “I have more hope, faith and confidence,” "Thy will be done, Lord," etc..., I create my own mantra and feed my mind with positive thoughts instead of negative ones. I have been doing this routine for years and I have become a vibrant, an achiever and most importantly a happier person.

What we feed our mind develops and flourishes; we come to realize how we want to live our life, then we start to inject our own self-love, self-worth, faith, hope and confidence into the equation. Through them we find the courage to take confident and positive actions to live a better and satisfying life.

Yes, we can create a better life by starting to be aware of how we treat ourselves. We can pray, meditate, practice affirmations, and ask our inner guidance for help. All of these actions increase our faith and energy, which lead to increased positive actions to enhance our life. When we feed our faith faithfully, our doubts and uncertainties will starve to death. When we love and treat ourselves properly , the world will love us back and treat us satisfactorily.

By Tim Pedrosa