The Why Not & The Monster Under the Bed
Do you have a monster hiding under the bed – or in the closet? Carol reminds us to trust God and His promises and not be afraid.
How do you overcome the monsters? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
The Monster Under the Bed
There is a monster lurking under the bed. I just know it’s there somewhere. Well maybe it’s not under the bed but in the closet, waiting to jump out and grab me when I least expect it. I can’t see it but I can hear it. It sounds like a chattering negative monkey voice and grows louder and louder the harder I try to remain positive and focused to keep my intentions on track. It sneaks out and follows me, but when I turn around it retreats to a dark corner, unseen but lurking nearby. Can you hear it too, The Why Not monster? It has a friend named What If. Those two monsters like to play with my mind.
hopestreamradio · The Why Not And The Monster Under the Bed
Why Not and What If?
Wait! That negative monkey voice is not coming from under the bed or in the closet. It is not coming from outside my house. It is inside my head. My mind is pushing aside the positive affirmations and letting WHY NOT and WHAT IF take control of the journey towards my intentions for the year. Are they lurking in your mind, trying to derail your plans for after grad, for after you finish your university degree, or even what job to find or plans for retirement?
The Why Not be successful monster of perfectionism takes on the form of procrastination and fear is the monster What If. Those plaguing, what if, questions cause procrastination to happen and magnify the fear of not being good enough. What if I am not a good enough storyteller to call myself one? What if I cannot write well enough to have someone want to read it or have it published? What if no one takes me seriously as a professional speaker when I do not have the stereotypical slender figure, posh home, or enough credentials behind my name? What if I pour my time, energy, and money into moving ahead on this journey and I fail to live up to my perfectionistic expectations? Those are thoughts and questions that go through my mind but you can substitute the what if questions the monster flings at you.
The Monster Under the Bed
But the monster must be tamed and the negative monkey voice quieted. Striving for perfection gets in the way of excellence which is attainable. It stalls the process so I cannot even achieve good enough. It leaves me stuck in a place I would rather not be. I do have intentions and want to keep them on track. I cannot let the challenges and changes derail the vision of telling the stories and preserving the memories.
Blank pages cannot be edited. So I need to write and tell the stories. I need to work on editing them later. My husband reminds me to have fun with them. I remember his words and know I am telling the stories first for my family, to preserve them for the next generation. It will give them a glimpse into who I am and the journey I have been on. Some of them will go beyond family and be shared with others. But no one can enjoy the stories if they are not shared. If I allow that monsters What If or Why Not to fill my mind with fear and negativity, I will hide behind procrastination and not good enough. Then I will miss out on amazing possibilities, new connections, strengthening existing friendships and memory making moments. Stories can’t encourage, teach or be preserved if they aren’t recorded, told and shared.
Facing Challenges and Changes
I know I will face challenges and changes might need to be made along the way to fulfilling this year’s intentions but just like when the train, I rode several years ago, was shunted to a siding, it only meant a short delay not a change in destinations or never reaching my intended place to go. While we sat and waited for the green light to move forward, I had a choice. I could get frustrated and let negativity take over or I could visit with someone, watch the scenery or rest.
This can help remind me that on the train trip of life, I have set out to use my abilities and gifts to tell stories in whatever form they might take. The sidings give me a chance to reflect, to prepare, or to rest so I can be ready to move forward at just the right time, God’s perfect timing. I am on the right track. I have received many positive affirmations from unexpected places and people which I can focus on to drown out those nasty monsters of What If and Why Not.
Those Monsters Under the Bed
Those monsters under the bed or hiding in the closet can become the stuff of stories, their negative monkey voices quietened by remembering why I do what I do. I love to tell the stories to entertain, to educate and to preserve the family memories. Mentoring others of all ages and abilities is a highlight for me, especially as they find their voice and reach for their fullest potential.
Oh they will try and sneak out from time to time. That is their way and what they love to do. But I’ll send them packing when I quit procrastinating the editing of longer pieces and share my stories with others. I will hang on to opportunities instead of fear.
Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 reminds me to trust God and His promises instead of uncertainty, doubt, and fear.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Most of all I must remember I am uniquely me. I am a storyteller, a speaker and a published author because God has gifted me to do just that. I need to trust that He can and will provide all I need to be a good steward of those abilities just like He will for you and your abilities.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope. She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
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