In the past I’ve set limitations on myself because I’ve been afraid to be me. I actually wrote a post a while back about being afraid which you can read here. After I wrote that, I did better for a little while about pushing past that, but not to the extent that I wanted to. Then over time, I allowed myself to creep back to my old self and hide behind the bars of fear.

Now that I’m a mother, I think it’s super important to set a positive example for my son. I don’t want to let chains hold him back because that’s what I’ve allowed for myself and therefore he learns that’s what’s ok or normal. I know that I’m not perfect by any means and I know that I will in fact make mistakes as a mother and also otherwise, but I also know that Jesus is perfection and that in my weaknesses I will lean on him. He graciously gives grace, even when I don’t deserve it.

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!”

2 Corinthians 12:9 AMPC

So with all of that said, I’ve been planning on picking a day to start living without worrying what others think even if it is awkward or feels really vulnerable so I can have an official day to “begin” instead of just thinking I’ll do better… eventually or so gradually that I’m not actually moving forward with progress. I’ve been procrastinating on that a while, but now that Nico is here and it’s also a new year AND I’m now another year young 😉… just seems like it’s the right time to stop procrastinating and decided today is the day!

I want to remove the limitations and be who I was created to be. That means being able to embrace my emotions and be okay with showing them even if others can see instead of trying to keep a poker face. (Within reason, not talking about going crazy or showing extreme anger, etc 😂) For example, at my own wedding, I feel like I looked constipated during the ceremony because I was so afraid to show my emotions. Why on earth would I want to hide my happiness on one of the best days of my life?! But I didn’t want to look “too emotional” and let it show that I’m actually human with emotions as if someone would make fun of me. That was my thinking anyway. I find myself actually embarrassed to show my emotions… and for what reason?! So silly!

Another thing I want to break the limitations on is to do what I want without worrying who is looking at me funny! Now, now, I’m NOT talking about anything illegal. Lol I’m talking about the fact that if I want to vlog for example, I will do it even if I’m in public or around other people even if I feel really awkward because I love vlogging, and especially now that Nico is here, I want to capture as many memories as I can! So what if stranger Billy Joe thinks I look stupid and laughs at me. He won’t remember me in 10 minutes probably and his opinions have no affect on my life unless I let them. 5, 15, 20, or even 100 years from now I don’t want to regret not doing it and not having the memories captured because I was worried about what someone thought.

And I the last thing I want to mention about breaking limitations on myself is to say what I actually want to say and know it’s okay to have an opinion and my own thoughts. Again, not talking about being ridiculous and being rude or putting my two cents in where it doesn’t belong. However, instead of saying “it doesn’t matter” when asked something simple like what I want to go do or eat (unless that time I really don’t care 😂), or asking a question instead of making a statement when suggesting other things like food or going to the mall or anything like that, I’ll be honest with myself and whoever I’m speaking to. Also, working on not being afraid to speak in general. (Even these extremely honest posts make me nervous! 🙈)

I’m not going to lie, it’s a little scary to take steps forward sometimes, but I think it’s necessary to break out of my comfort zone. I plan on writing an update in a month or so, and then maybe that will make me stick with it… sorta like a little challenge for myself. 🙂

Is there something that you have put limitations on yourself with? If so, write it out whether that be in the comments or just privately for yourself. If you decide it’s time to push past the limitations and embrace the vulnerability, keep your mind made up and do it! When you do that, writing down what it is and how you wish to push past it, will help you achieve that goal of breaking through because you’ll have it to look back on. Also, something about writing it down and not just thinking about it makes it all the more real.

Until next time! 😊💖

~Danni~