Don't Let the Boogeyman Steal Your Dreams
Part 2
by Keith Varnum
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Friendly Facts Fend Off the Funk
List miracles and major achievements. Add to your journal daily. As you create success, document the specific, hard-core, firsthand, personal direct evidence that you can create your life the way you want it to be. When did you decide you needed more money, then got a raise? When did you decide to get a better job, and a great opportunity "appeared out of nowhere?" When did you want a new friend or lover, and you miraculously found one?
Despite the odds being against you, when did you find the perfect place to live? When was there something wrong with your body, and it healed quicker than expected?
The purpose of the Dream-Saver Fact Journal is to remind you that you have succeeded in the past, and therefore, you can triumph now. Your own irrefutable facts will refresh your awareness that you are lovable, talented and worthy!
Also, look for examples in your life where you felt good. Did someone unexpectedly treat you to dinner or a movie? Did you raise the spirits of the grocery clerk who was having a tough day? Did someone call you out of the blue with the information you needed? Keep track of your daily experiences of friendship, kindness, compassion, courage and acknowledgement.
Amass indisputable proof that verifies that you are supported when you follow your heart. Highlight actual events that demonstrate the rewards of expressing your authentic self in the world. Then review your achievements every time your energy and joy begin to wane. Make notes to remind yourself that you've been victorious in many situations. Solid evidence causes the boogey monster to lose its power over you.
Move Past the Threats
In my own writing career, I repeatedly consult my Success Journal throughout my process of articulating the inner workings of life. Sometimes as I travel into uncharted territories of authentic expression, the ego roars, "They'll kill you if you say too much truth! or "They'll put you away because they think you're crazy." Popular variations of the same threat are, "You'll go insane if ..." or "You'll be alone if ..."or "You'll lose everything if ..." Unless I take action to counter my ego, I'm stuck in an emotional muck hole and quickly losing sight of any way out.
Dash the Dastardly Downers
The journal is my lifesaver and ally. This factual source about my life shows me I'm capable of continuing in the direction of my goals. My own clear and undeniable evidence proves that I won't die, get locked away, go crazy, be alone or lose what's important.
Call the Bluff of the Ego
Bluffing is a primary skill of a successful poker player. Bluffing is a tactic the boogeyman has to employ since he never really holds the winning cards. When you accumulate a wealth of actual life experience to prove you've repeatedly reached your goals, you have a royal flush.
You're holding the winning hand. So, when the ego monster appears, call its bluff! When the ego spins a yarn about how you "always lose," "get hurt," or "are going to die," pull out your ace in the hole: your journal of facts proving you have been able to create what you want in life.
Soothe the Savage Beast
The next time you're looking for a boost in confidence, don't listen to your mind and emotions. These rascals frame your life in the worst possible light. Check your Dream-Saver Journal to remind you of the successful final outcome the last time your inaccurate mind and emotions were trying to invalidate you.
When the boogeyman growls "Whoa!" when your heart whispers "Go," quell the objections of your ego with proof of your creative power. Silence your inner critic. Bore the brute to death with true stories of your worth. Eventually the bellowing monster will turn into a pip-squeak and stop undermining you.
By reminding yourself of "just the facts," you'll quiet the mind and soothe the emotions so you can keep moving towards your dream.
(c) 2004 Keith Varnum, All rights reserved

Go to: Keeping a Journal, Journaling Techniques, Journaling as Therapy, Fear of Success, Positive Attitude
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