Motivation for Making Goddesses

In the past two months, two different people have asked about the underlying motivation for the selection of "Realize Your Inner Goddess" as a theme or metaphor for my self-realization classes. It honestly did make me think closely about the history of the name, and the thought processes I had followed. Like most, it's rare my ideas move linearally from start to finish.

So, why the idea of a Goddess within each of us, instead of a pearl (or pearls) of wisdom, or Wise One, or Higher Being? The answer, my friends, is a reflection of my own journey from frightened imposter to motivated light-bringer in the darkness of midlife complaining, nagging and worry.

I was raised to be humble, fearful and worried of what others thought of how I looked, what I thought, what I did and how I behaved. For most of my life, I was convinced that no matter what I did, it was never enough, either in quality or quantity. As a result, I often overwhelm people with the amount I am doing or have planned in any given moment. Worse yet, I usually accomplish everything I set my mind to, and still worry it's not enough.

But how does worrying that I'm not good enough translate into an ability to help others see the Goddess within each of them?

Well, honestly, at its very core, it started with acknowledging that not only were my views about myself wrong, but that they could be replaced with something far, far better and healthier. In 2005, I took a brief teleclass -- I've forgotten the name, the topic, and the purpose of that class, but I came away from it with the most audacious affirmation I've ever written: "I Am a Beautiful, Intelligent Goddess". At the time, I felt foolish, but persisted in reminding myself of this. Then, in 2006, as I was preparing to teach my very first class, I was challenged to come up with a bell-ringer, something that would bring the kid's attention back to class when it would wander.

In my affirmation, I had my key. When the students lost interest in Algebra (hard to believe, I know), I would leap off a piece of furniture, or go dancing across the room, or something equally unexpected, throw my arms in the air, and loudly proclaim, "Mrs. Stidham is A", and the students were required to respond "Beautiful, Intelligent Goddess". Remember, I taught ESL students, so this also functioned as a method to monitor their grasp of the English language. (or at least, that was the excuse I gave the school administration). After a while, we all believed it. I WAS a beautiful, intelligent goddess.

When I stopped teaching, I lost this input, and this sense of being more than a physical shell with some skills. When I realized I had slumped into depression, I sought help, and started closely examining my life. I didn't limit myself to examining just the aspect of losing my passion -- I examined old photos, old ideas, old memories. Over and over, the same themes of unworthiness kept cropping up. These were the same feelings that almost never surfaced when I taught.

When I followed my passion, sharing myself and my experience with others, I shone. When I believed that I was a Goddess, inspired, I shone. When I believed I was a mere human, unworthy of nice clothes, a nice life, peace and serenity, I slumped. More importantly, when I stopped thinking in terms of "me" and what I thought life "should have been" I was happy, slender and productive.

In those moments of shining inspiration, the outcome was meaningless -- all that mattered was experiencing joy on the journey.

This Sharon was characterized by a peaceful loving acceptance of everyone and everything as they were, not as I wanted them to be. My relationships with my children and husband improved, as did those with colleagues and friends. I had one woman tell me: "You know, you used to be incredibly irritating -- smart, but annoying. I really like you now. What happened?" I was too dumbfounded to give a coherent answer. Still am.

When I am in touch with that incredible person inside of me, I'm taller, smarter, thinner, inspiring. She is so much more than the average human, it's blinding. More importantly, she doesn't need others' input to see herself clearly. In my mind, this is what being a Goddess is all about. The deep, unwavering knowledge of how incredibly awesome you are, and the many gifts you have to offer the world.

It's knowing how you can improve your world, effortlessly, simply by changing how you view yourself, and by changing your core beliefs to ones of joy, love, peace and acceptance.

Why would I keep a realization like this to myself? There is, inside of me, a Goddess who spent years chained in the dark. And if she is in me, she is in each of us, and it's time we set her free. Because when we do, the world will be a truly amazing place.

And that takes a Goddess. Realize Yours.

Allow yourself to be patient and to be true to yourself. Remember to take at least five minutes every day to simply be by yourself and breathe. Allow yourself to indulge in a moment of thought, reflection, and planning when the mood strikes. It's your life, your choice. Allow yourself to simply succeed on your own terms, to live in peace, abundance, and joy. One day, one decision at a time, remaining aware of your choices and your feelings. You CAN get there.

And, as always, if you need help, I'm available. It's what I do, and it's what I love to do.

Sharon.

Hypnotherapy can help you to think healthier, happier, and more successful thoughts while adding the power of relaxation to your life. As you go through your day, you feel better and perform better.

Contact us to learn more about how hypnotherapy can you propel you toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy, in any form, does not diagnose, treat or cure mental or emotional problems, and is not a substitute for other professional help.