16 Comments
Mar 2Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

I think so many of us women were fed that idea when we were young girls, intentionally or not. I struggled in the same way for many years. Even when I was successful at something like writing or public speaking, realizing that was a surprise. More recently, I taught myself to weave about five years ago (when I was in my late 60s). As I learned, my work was mediocre and I almost gave it up. I wove nothing for a whole year, partly due to that fear and, well, life also got in the way. But in the last four or five months, I've begun again and have concluded that I have a talent for it. At any rate, I love doing it, which is even more important to me. Might I admit that I'm successful? Please return to pendant making.

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Oh yes! That fear of never being able to learn a new skill well enough to produce something worthwhile. I have given up on so many things over the years. Thank you for sharing your experience with weaving, which is lovely, by the way!

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Mar 18Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

Such a powerful discovery, Jennifer. I love your question: "Who would I be without that thought?" And I hope you return to making pendants!

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Thank you, Dana! I keep putting it on my todo list. 😆

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Mar 18Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

Yes, what is so revealing is to slowly unpack the limiting beliefs to uncover who is doing the talking? Most always for me it’s my inner child or ancestral lineage. As soon as she knows I’ve got her, us, she can continue to explore, grow and even thrive. YOU are very talented and wherever you choose to focus your attention is where it needs to BE for now. I’m with Wendy, and can see your pendants on Etsy. 💜

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Yep, this one definitely goes back a ways. A different voice than the inner critic who is little me trying to protect us. I’m not sure where this one originated.

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Mar 18Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

Thank you Jennifer for allowing your vulnerability to surface as you shared your process with us. I have been writing about very similar things - questioning my beliefs about who I am and returning to my 'true north' to live fully as myself. It's hard!

When I read this I have the sense that you are right on the edge of breaking through, as if you are on the edge of a small cliff and the only thing left to do is jump and surrender. Once you are asking yourself these important questions a door has opened and you won't be able to go back. Enjoy the beautiful ride❤

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Im having the same sense, Donna! Exciting and scary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ❤️

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Mar 18Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

This is a great exploration and one that resonates for me. When I bump up against limiting beliefs (and my inner critic is at volume 10), I will remind myself to ask the question, "what else might be true?" This lines up with the question you showcase: "who would I be without that thought?"

Such a rich thread to pull.

And I would buy one of those pendants.

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Thank you, Allison! It’s a sparkly thread that will makes the whole a sight worth seeing if I can figure out where to weave it back in. 🧵🪡

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Mar 19Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

This is so powerful. Thank you for the reminder about Byron Katie and the work. This was part of the curriculum of my somatic coaching certification and I haven't used it nearly enough on my limiting beliefs. Thank you

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The Work is powerful. Besides helping with negative self-talk and beliefs, it’s prevented several contentious confrontations. 🙂

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Mar 22Liked by Jennifer Miller (she/her)

Such deep self honesty and awareness here, thank you. You speak to the power of uncovering a limiting belief--when we see it, it can be such a moment of revelation, like parting the curtains on an entire life theme. Seeing it with compassion, and realizing it is a belief--not the truth of who you are--can be such a liberating pivot point. My work is based on this-- uncover limiting beliefs. Because I've been doing it for many years now (for clients and self), it's become an everyday miracle for me, to the point that I take it for granted... but each uncovering, each liberation is worth celebrating. Well done inner work!

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Thank you so much.❤️

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I understand this so deeply. I’ve literally had the same thought before: “success is not for me.” Maybe the financial success hasn’t happened yet or isn’t happening the way my ego imagined it would, but when I take a step back, I see that I *am* successful! It’s just different from I thought it would be. Also, I still feel this sometimes and have a lot of mindset shifting to work through because I’m ready to level up even more; especially with my finances. All that is to say your words resonate with me deeply.

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Ready to level up. Yes! Exactly how I’m feeling too. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

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