Ahhhh, meditation (Or should I say OMMMM). I have had so much difficulty with this simple act of mental health.

To set aside and dedicate specific time is a challenge in it of itself. Then to sit in silence and try to suppress the waves of anxiety that begin to course through my mind as I think about all the daily tasks I need to do and things that I absolutely can’t forget.

Meditation’s purpose is to look within and be calm in you own true self- at least that was my first interpretation.

I found that the ability to sit and try to think about nothing it a great exercise, however, I did not get very far in accomplishing inner peace. If anything this increased my frusturation. It seems like a silly thing not to be good at. Why, oh why was it so difficult!

I realized that there is a form of meditation that encourages you to speak a mantra during your session. Once I was able to practice this form of meditation I felt at peace. The mantra I chose : I am happy, I am healthy, I am strong.

I would like to point out that while I may not believe it to be true, it is important to speak those words like it has already happened and not “I wish I was happy, I hope I am healthy, I want to be strong”.

Your words have value. If you tell yourself you will always be suffering, living in pain, being depressed etc, you will have a difficult time convincing your brain to change for the better and accept these gifts.

This goes for your external environment. Who do you interact with on a regular basis? Do you listen to uplifting messages or podcasts? Are there positive people that uplift you and your dreams? Do they encourage you to improve your life?

Or do they discourage you to stay the same. “Don’t waver from your original plan, I don’t care if it is your dream, make the safe choice.” “Why can’t you be happy with what you have”.

It is my belief that most people do not have bad intentions, they are just afraid for you to fail and they are afraid that you will leave them behind when you advance in life.

Do not give up, fill your life with people who encourage you to reach for the stars! You have value, if you feel like you don’t right now, you just haven’t seen it yet. It’s there.

So go forth, meditate! Dare to Dream! Start small systems that improve your life daily!

You can do it!