It started with a lie.

I’m so angry! My friend said. I didn’t need to hear her words to know what she was feeling. Her body language, tone, and her “entire being” announced it. She was unmistakably upset. But nearly as soon as we began to talk, I realized the source of her fury. It was a lie. Someone else had heard something that bothered them. Rather than confirming if it were true, they repeated it to my friend who became equally incensed. Together they feed their discontent, all rooted in a lie. Within a few minutes I was able to look up the facts and share them, turning the situation around.

It got me thinking. Lies can be far more powerful than simply impacting our emotions. Instead, there are some lies that creep into our sense of identity and threaten the pursuit of our purpose. They hold us back and prevent us from being who we were meant to be. The sooner we free ourselves from those types of lies, the sooner we can fully pursue being the best version of ourselves and having the impact we were meant to have.

3 Lies to stop believing:

1. Your past limits you.

Your personal journey up to where you are right now is likely a bit like mine – some good sprinkled with more than a share of challenges. Refuse to let the difficult chapters from the past be an anchor to where you go today or in the future. Allow the tough times to be what has qualified you to step into your purpose. I have found that sharing the very parts of my story that I’d rather have skipped are the very pieces of my story that have opened doors and impacted others. Our stories have the power to inspire and encourage others in ways we can’t image. Your past does not limit you, it qualifies you!

2. Your worth is dependent upon people’s opinions.

Far too often we look to people for validation. Do I matter? Am I enough? Do I belong? While the opinion of that person who we feel like we need approval from, or who we wanted it from in the past feels like what matters most, truth is it doesn’t define our worth. If we let their words or their silence form our sense of self-worth, we’ve given someone else power they were never meant to have.  Friend, you matter. You are enough. And, just because someone couldn’t see how awesome you are, doesn’t diminish your worth one bit. You were made exactly how you are –all of your imperfections and potential all rolled up into fabulous you. Don’t ever forget that, even if someone else does.

3. Your dreams or purpose are impossible.

The world is full of people who wondered what would happen if…. and they did. They chased their dreams, sought to have an impact and did. At the same time, the world is also filled with many more who are still wondering what if their dreams are possible or if they even have a purpose. My friend, if you have breath in your lungs, you have a purpose on this planet. You are here for a reason. That reason is tucked somewhere between your passion, your faith, your talents, and what keeps you up at night.

I once had a teacher tell me that I couldn’t write. Even though when she said those words I wasn’t yet an author or even aspiring to be one, her inability to see my potential could have completely deterred my pursuits. When I knew I had a story that I needed to tell I refused to let her words define me or cause me to give up on my purpose. Today I embrace the opportunity to write, to encourage, and to make the world a better place any way I can. Whether you’re still defining your dreams and purpose, or if you can feel it deep in your bones, believe in who you were made to be and be it! Don’t be intimidated by the size of your dreams. Instead take the one next step you need to take. Then, rinse wash and repeat. Those small steps will add up!

It’s your turn.

Today is the day, this week is the week to push aside lies that are holding you back. Use your past as a stepping stone because the world around you needs authentic people who are survivors. Who better to encourage others struggling today? And if it’s your identity you’ve been challenged by, rest assured God put you on this planet for a reason. You were made just as you are. Learn and grow forward letting go of faulty belief based on opinions of people. Wake up and get up every day working to be the best version of you while pursing the difference that only you were meant to make. Don’t be discouraged by the days that are harder than others rather learn, grow, and keep going.

I know I’ve been tripped up by each of these lies at some point in life. How about you? Have these lies or others tripped you up? I’m guessing these are far too common and you, like me aren’t alone. Click to comment. I’d love to have you join the conversation.

If this post encouraged you, why not click to share with your friends who might need ‘to breakup’ with some lies too. And, if you haven’t yet signed up, click below to get notification when I’ve added a new encouraging post so that you don’t miss it.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

You might also enjoy:

• 9 Things You Should Stop Doing
• 5 Things You Need to do This Week 
• When You Feel Like Quitting: 3 Tips to Fuel Your Motivation

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