Isn't it amazing how one negative statement can seep into your soul and remain there until you realize that only you can delete it?

There are plenty that start from your childhood and as you get older the file gets bigger and bigger! "You can't do that!" is usually the red flag! Our memory usually doesn't go into automatic delete unless we see the red flag and twist the negative as soon as the statement or action is made!

I think of the < "less than" > "greater than" symbols from Mathematics class. Even the symbols relate to direction! If you are moving forward...keep moving forward. Words are very important in our lives. They can hurt, threaten, insult or they can heal, comfort, compliment.

I had just won "First Place" AND "Best of Show" the first time in my life! The portrait was fun to create and I loved the whole process, idea, subject, etc. The man I selected was a client of mine who was not only the "sharpest cookie" I have ever met, but also so deeply loving, honest and kind...and always called me "Haddox"- never by my first name!

After I found out about the awards I raced to his office to give him a 5" x 7" Photo of the portrait and share the news. As I was seated across from him and handed him the photo which he hadn't seen...he only knew I was using him as a subject and had asked for his permission which he allowed humbly. He glanced at the photo...no smile...no emotion...but I felt him "smiling inside".

I remarked "Not only is your face a Blue Ribbon it is the Best of the Show!!"

At this moment he said "Haddox, what is bothering you?"

I was shocked at first...but he had read my "soul". I asked "Why do I feel like a loser when I just won the top awards?"

He propped the photo up in front of another framed photo on his massive desktop. Folded his hands upon his desk and replied gently "Believe in yourself".

(I have been deleting negative programs from my soul ever since...I also am carefully "watching my words".) < >

Comments:

Glad to meet you, I am adding you to my friends.

After a few years of education in the school of hard knocks, I have learned to only allow positive people in my personal space. Negatives get kicked to the curb!

You are overdue for another post...

Good stuff Shelley. We're in charge.

comment by larryb on Aug 6, 2008 10:49 AM ()

I've tried to but it's a left click? I can't seem to get the + to do anything but look at me. Thanks for your help!!!

reply by haddox101 on Aug 6, 2008 3:35 PM ()

First, congratulations! Secondly, it's nice to see a face (and a pretty one, at that) to go along with your name.
And finally, I'm wondering what those negative, deep forging words were that has lowered your self-esteem for who knows how long.(?) It's difficult to get over harsh words. Sometimes they last a life time. I know.

comment by solitaire on Aug 3, 2008 6:14 AM ()

I am an identical twin...4 minutes older! Need I say more?? Wait, let me rephrase that...I am the first fraternal identical twin! I LOVE HER MORE THAN I LOVE MYSELF!!! A tear just ran down my cheek...I had to put my shades on there! Thanks for the comment!>>>>>>>>

reply by haddox101 on Aug 3, 2008 6:30 AM ()

Great Stuff

comment by strider333 on Aug 3, 2008 12:44 AM ()

Thanks for the 3 !!! I wish the computer was next to my easle...I'd be listening to your site AND kickin' out the artwork!! I can't figure out how to add friends yet...I haven't even gotten to your posts!!"I'll be baack!"

reply by haddox101 on Aug 3, 2008 6:37 AM ()

Great post!

comment by marta on Aug 2, 2008 3:10 PM ()

Thanks! Always glad to hear from you!!

reply by haddox101 on Aug 3, 2008 6:40 AM ()

Shelly, know that you are a winner! Because I know you personally I can most assuredly state that you are kind, loving and compassionate... a winner in the most important sense. On top of that you are one of the best artists I have ever seen! Sometimes getting past all of the negativity in your life may feel like "shoveling #### against the tide". Well, by gosh, you are succeeding at that too because you refuse to allow it to suck the life and love out of you. Believe in yourself.

comment by dragonflyby on Aug 2, 2008 9:15 AM ()

Do you know how much wind you are always placing in my sail? I am so deeply honored to be your friend! Thanks for your kind words that always heal and NEVER hurt!!! GOD BLESS YOU for being YOU!

reply by haddox101 on Aug 3, 2008 6:48 AM ()