1 Believe in yourself
At the root of most insecurity is the conviction that we must somehow be better than what we are in order to be acceptable, says Julia Cameron in Walking in this World (Random House). "Take pen in hand. Number from 1 to 50. List 50 specific and positive things that you like and approve about yourself. Self-esteem is an active choice, not a sudden given. We can choose to actively esteem our many positive traits, see that we are blessed and that we need not compare ourselves to anyone."
2 Take risks
You may get hurt, but unless you risk throwing your all into whatever you're doing, you're unlikely to grow. The same goes for your career. Says Indian actor-turned-entrepreneur Pretty Zeinta, "I'm not afraid to take risks. We have just one life and losing my dad at an early age has taught me how unpredictable it is. I want to live each day as if it were my last. After all, you come with nothing, but when I go, I hope people remember me for the person I am - brave and unafraid."
3 don't give up
Though he failed sixth grade, and was defeated in every election for public office until he became prime minister at the age of 62, Winston Churchill went on to deliver Britain from war. He later wrote, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never, never, never, never give up."
4 Step out of your comfort zone
"Humans are by nature adventurous. Watch a toddler expand his territory a wobbly step at a time. Watch an 80-year-old grandmother sign up for an art tour of Russia. The soul thrives on adventure. Deprived of it, our optimism fails us," says Julia Cameron. So, do something different - visit an art exhibition, sign up for a mosaic course, attend an archaeology lecture. Push your boundaries and be inspired.
5 Let your inner artist out to play
See your world through a creative eye. "Go to an office supply or art supply shop. Acquire a small blank notebook suitable for sketching. Get a sketching pencil or pen so that you can begin to capture the small adventures of life as you actually live it," suggests Cameron. Or flip through old magazines and tear out images that inspire you and create a collage for your kitchen pin board.
6 Be mindful
"Wherever we are, whateverwe do, all we need to do is recogniseour thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as something natural. Neither rejecting nor accepting, we simply acknowledge the experience and let it pass," saysPema Chodron in The Joy of Living(Three Rivers Press). "If we keepthis up, we'll eventually find ourselves becoming able to manage situations we once found painful, scary, or sad. We'll discover a sense of confidence that isn't rooted in arrogance or pride. We'll realise that we're always sheltered, safe, and always home."
7 Pack a bag
Travel broadens your horizons and continually gives new perspectives through the eyes of others. Forget staycations. Get an atlas, pick a country you've always wished to visit and start planning.
8 Spend time with children
Even if you don't have children of your own, spending time with someone else's can open up doors of possibility you'd forgotten about. Says Shireen Eldridge, of her own children, "Though my husband and I do like to get away from the kids occasionally to nurture our relationship, we always realise that the best part about travelling is being with the kids. They are curious about everything and their sense of adventure sparks ours. It keeps us young and alive."
9 Nurture your dreams
Even if you don't have time each day to pursue your dreams, take note of what you are feeling and align your choices with what you want. Keep a daily journal and note synchronicities that open up new doors.
10 Go with your flow
"Here's a rule of thumb," says Summer McStravick in Creative Flowdreaming (Hay House), "if you desire something and are attempting to obtain it, but from the beginning it's fraught with complications and difficulties, and it continually creates more negative emotion in you, then what you're after isn't in your Flow." Don't force situations - if things don't feel right, move on. "It's that simple," says McStravick.
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