The Power of a Pump Up Journal

Here's a twofold way of introducing myself to you in the words and testimonials of others, simultaneously emulating how you can do the same for yourself to your benefit.

Sorry in advance for blasting my own horn, and cheers to getting a dose of what these type of deep affirmations can do for your own psyche, motivation, and sense of direction or purpose.

I've found in my greatest living heroes and in the autobiographies of never-alive-in-my-lifetime inspirations that even the greatest among us have weaknesses, flaws, and it seems, self-doubt from time to time.

Knowing this is natural and gradually making space for a fuller and more realistic spectrum of emotions, I find it can be useful to "snowball" your way out of negative thinking cycles.

Your mind naturally attracts more like-minded thoughts. 

When you start to compile internal lists of all the things you dislike about yourself, surely it will start to grow with greater fervor, perhaps torrenting your spirits to despair.

Experientially, I've found that doing the opposite of this—building a stockpile of some of the kindest, nicest, and most uplifting words ever spoken or written to you—also has a profound effect. For me: one of elation, renewed purpose, and joy.

To see I am on the same path as I've always longed to be charges me with great energy and determination to keep going.

That others believe in me gives me the inspiration to try and make them proud, to justify that their belief in me is not in vain.

Reminding myself with evidence that other human beings see something positive within me gives me hope that one day I too will be successful and useful to society at large, spreading messages of peace, consciousness, and mindfulness.

The first message that sparked the start of my Pump Up Journal was a random message I received from my former art teacher from seventh grade.

I was in my early twenties when she found me on social media and sent this. When I first read her thoughtful words, I was an Arts Scholars student in art school.

The fact that she remembered me flabbergasted me, and the act of her reaching out to me was so reassuring at a time in my life when I wondered what my degree in art would ever lead me to in the "real world".

The message was simple, but then and to this day, inspires me with hope to keep chasing my creative dreams:

"Hi Kelli. I well remember having you in Art class and thinking then how creative and artistically talented you were. 

Glad to see that you are continuing your education, and majoring in Art, at that.  

Good luck as you continue your education and your life. I so enjoy seeing what and how former students are doing.

Take Care."

I admit it's quite fun and "feel good" to gather lasting lines of support and encouragement.

My suggestion? Create a personal collection of encouraging comments that remind you of your best attributes, abilities, and potential.

 

These are examples of the positive affirmations I've collaged into my personal Pump Up Journal.

These recollected words from family, friends, coworkers, coaches, and students all instill me with a brighter outlook and sense of purpose when I'm feeling down or uncertain about myself:

"Your enthusiasm is boundless!"

♥

"You're my weirdo friend and I love you for it! 

You're not basic, you're not conventional, you're not the same; you're vibrant and alive, funny, cheerful, supportive, inquisitive, and uniquely you! 

You're my favorite kind of people!"

♥

"I like how when you walk into a room the energy just changes and everyone around you can't help but smile! 

You truly have a gift and I'm blessed to get to experience that, keep sharing that with the world Kelli!"

♥

"You have an infectious energy and lust for life that I was taken by. How could I not like you?"

♥

"You're one of the best, most loving people I know, Kelli. 

You are always able to make me feel good about myself, and I appreciate that a lot."
 

♥

"I truly value you and I think about you often. 

You are such an inspiration to me and I hope to find at least half of the motivation that you have. 

Please keep being a shining light!"

♥

"You are always positive and happy, even if you are having a rough day. You shine so brightly lovely! Love ya!"

♥

"Kelli: E-N-E-R-G-Y ❤️ Super hilariously fun to work with and willing to go the extra mile!"

♥

"Your enthusiasm and joy are contagious."

♥

"You Kelli are the most wonderful, sweet, beautiful person. Everyone knows what you are going to do with your life.

You are going to be big Kelli, a bright vibrant star."

♥

"Kelli, I love seeing you continue to grow on this path. You have truly found your spark and it's great to see you sharing it with the world."

♥

Now that my head is a billion times bigger, my heart expanded in slushy feels and emotions of gratitude... I can still know that I'm not perfect and I definitely make mistakes, but for the most part: I am a human being trying my best, and I can at least deserve my own self-compassion and kindness.

This, for me, is often enough of a mindfulness and emotional mindset shift that I can carry on my day with greater energy and efficacy—shifting a "snowballing" of negative ruminations to positive and very life-affirming ones instead.

Knowing I am not perfect, but have some great strengths and attributes, what can I do with my time to help others, and/or, help myself (which will give me greater strength, patience, and capacities to give back to others as well)?

Knowing there may be "bad"; also remember that others see the "good" within you too, and it is deep and obvious within all of us.

Cheers to relaxing into whoever you are, and happy collaging kind words together to read every once in awhile when you may feel low or uncertain of what you bring to the table of life. 

We all bring something! 😊

I'd bet the vast majority of us have experienced surges of self-doubt now and then. I see through my own BS. Am I REALLY that great? Am I worth all this? Really?

As a writer, artist, and entrepreneur, I certainly know what it's like to be plagued with thoughts of self-doubt. Who am I to be Great?

I love the retort: Who am I NOT ?

Ultimately, it's up to each of us to provide our own self-comradery and create an environment of self-acceptance within ourselves.

That being said, a reminder of someone's belief in you never hurts. (Unless you take it too far and becoming a raging egomaniac bloated on other's adorations. Seek balance and this trick works wonders!)

My examples:

As an Arts Scholars student at The Ohio State University, I received a random message from my middle school art teacher who I had not heard from since the seventh grade:

Hi Kelli. I well remember having you in Art class at Edgewood and thinking then how creative and artistically talented you were.

Glad to see that you are continuing your education, and majoring in Art, at that.

That meant the world to me, and even now brings me the feels—a reminder that my path as an artist is certainly a tad eccentric, but truly… my path.

Or more recently, from a co-worker I hardly even knew who messaged me:

I like how when you walk into a room the energy just changes and everyone around you can't help but smile!

You truly have a gift and I'm blessed to get to experience that, keep sharing that with the world Kelli!

That of course made me light up with purpose. I know I'm not a perfect person and I can beat myself up about my imperfections and mistakes endlessly, but even a brief reminder that I do in fact make a difference is a great reminder.

The negativity bias, especially with ourselves.

Thanks for your sunshine energy and beautiful spirit Kelli. I really appreciate all you do. Your creativity and heart ❤️

Or

The last year has been one of amazing change and great growth for both the studio and you. You are such a "force of nature".

You are such a blessing to me and my family. I could not have seen the progression at the studio without your energy, attitude and commitment to such a mission.

Damn.

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