All around you, there is evidence of everything you believe. Your perception is the filter that creates reality, not the other way around.

“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”  Einstein via @Terri_Cole  (Click to Tweet!)

What you choose to believe about the world, others, and most importantly about yourself, has a direct relationship to what you experience. Your beliefs inform your thoughts, which then influence your behavior. When you believe in yourself and in the support of the universe, life can feel easier. You may feel more inclined to take action towards the things you desire, that perhaps you currently feel too scared to pursue. When you believe in a friendly universe your mind will unconsciously seek evidence to find the ways in which you are supported and loved. Some may call this looking at the world through rose-colored glasses—Einstein called it a decision. This decision can lead to you feeling more courageous, inspired and joyful.

What you believe dictates how you perceive.

However, for many of you the world is not rose colored. You have fears, doubts, and worries. These perceptions leave you feeling stuck in situations that do not bring you joy. You fear making change, and fear things staying the same. Fear becomes more than a four letter word. It rules what you do, informing every decision you make. It becomes the driving force that runs your life, in many ways keeping it small.

You may be wondering then, how to transcend your fears, doubts, and worries in order to take action to create the changes you desire. One of the most encouraging practices I recommend is to look for evidence of ways life has shown you the power that is within you. When you reflect back on your life you are bound to find tons of examples in which you displayed courage and endurance.

When you decide to look for evidence of strength—mentally, emotionally and physically— you will find it. You are not weak, and you are not as full of fear as you may think. These misguided perceptions simply come from old beliefs, that clearly are no longer true (and probably never were.) Life has always worked for you, or else you wouldn’t be here.

In the practice of gathering evidence be sure not to minimize what you do. When I say look for evidence of the courage and endurance within you, I want you to find it in everything you do. Many people minimize their accomplishments by thinking, “Well anyone could do that,” or “It really wasn’t that big of a deal.” Don’t go there, because whatever you are referring to, was in fact a big deal. Just the other day I was in yoga class, where for the majority of the class a woman lay on her mat. She was honoring her body and listening to what it needed. It took courage to go against the flow and simply be. She was not weak for not participating in class. Her commitment to her self showed strength.

If you got up today and flossed your teeth, that is evidence of a way you love and care for your body. If you took the stairs today, use that as evidence of your strength and willpower. If you turned off your phone, took time to relax, or took a nap when you were tired, you can use all of that as evidence. Look back at the grades you completed, the dates you’ve gone on, the hugs you’ve given, and take all of that as evidence that you are brilliant, brave, and wonderful. Because you are. And the more you can remind yourself of this on a daily basis, the more you will begin to behave as the amazing person you are.

Amazing people do amazing things, and as soon as you begin to see yourself as one of them, you can begin to do all the amazing things you dream of doing.

Imagine owning your own business, saying yes to love, or finally taking the dream trip you’ve been planning. You are smart enough, lovable enough, and savvy enough to do all that you desire. You just need to believe it. Let the evidence of your life prove it to you.

Share with me in the comments below three specific pieces of evidence of your brilliance, beauty or strength. Don’t be afraid to share, don’t be afraid to shine; and always take care of you.

Love Love Love

Terri

Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Sign up for Terri’s weekly Tune Up Tips and follow her on Twitter.

*image courtesy Jake Bellucci