I’m starting to realize more and more that no one is going to be harder on me than myself. I am indeed, my own worst critic. I never think anything is good enough. I always find flaws in the things I do or the way I look… I’m starting to realize that I’m my own worst enemy because, no one (and I do mean no one) is going to be harder on myself than me. I rarely cut myself any slack and usually jump to criticizing myself before anyone else can. I know it is a defense mechanisms, a way to keep from getting my feelings hurt or being upset. However, I don’t want to be my worst critic anymore, I’d rather be my biggest cheerleader. Lately, I’ve been learning that positive thinking and affirmations have a way of shaping your world into exactly what you want it to be. The Bible says in Philippians 4:5: “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praisworthy–think about such things.” So, I think I’m done being my worst critic. I give myself permission to cut me a little slack. True enough, every picture I take or word I write, isn’t going to be phenomenal or a masterpiece and… that’s okay because I know that I have the power within me to do some amazing things.

I have seen the light! And… since things are better with a picture. Here is a self-portrait I took using only candle light. It didn’t turn out quite like I excepted but that’s okay because it turned into more than I could have even imagined. It makes my heart swell when I stumble upon something amazing. Sometimes you discover wonderful things when you least expect it.

~Saadia Me*Chel