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".) < >