I Am Enough

This past weekend I went to a local park where a Family Festival was taking place.  I have attended this festival for the past 4 years or so but I have to say, this year had the most temperate weather; it wasn’t too hot and it was crystal clear.  As I perused the booths, there was one that caught my attention because the lady who was manning the booth (or is it womaning?!) had an ebullient demeanor.  She was selling jewelry that could be custom made by selecting different pendants consisting of inspiring words, colored beads, symbols etc.  As I looked at the selection, two silver little pendants caught my eye, one that said, “I am” and a larger one that said, “Enough”.  Unexpectedly, that little phrase touched something deep inside of me and I began to tear up.

After spending some time since the weekend I have realized why it touched me so.  And I know I am speaking this out for myself, but I also know I’m not alone.  I don't know how many times I’ve been attacked with the “ I’m Too’s” (I’m too ____________fat, old, dumb, short, ugly, loud, soft-spoken, confident, shy, poor, weak, forgetful, clingy, needy, sick, busy…..). Or the “I’m Not’s (I’m not _______________ (rich, tall, young, pretty, smart, worthy, good, healthy, well-spoken, strong, doing…..) enough.

Look at those two statements.  One means I’m too much, the other means I’m inadequate. If I believe those lies then………WHEN……AM I EVER……ENOUGH?

Here’s the answer.  I was intentionally put on this earth for a purpose.  I possess certain skills/gifts designed for that purpose.  So every day, every moment I AM ENOUGH.  I need to live/breathe/lavish/soak/drown in I am enough. I am enough for today.  I am enough right now.  I am enough.

I encourage you to make a physical list of the “I’m Too’s” and the” I’m Not’s” that you have believed about yourself and then speak out the opposite to yourself…….out loud…..in a mirror…….in the car during traffic…….anytime……….all the time!  Speak it out (I am NOT too _______!  I AM _________enough!), believe it and then tear up that list and never re-visit it again.  And when you know who you are, if someone tries to tell you who you AREN’T, you don’t have to believe them!  In fact, you WON’T believe them!  Which makes their lies impenetrable (example: “I may be too short to be a model right now, but I’m just the perfect height for encouraging people”)!

I am enough.  You are enough.  We are enough.

-Tessa L. Charles