By Lynne Sherman, Ph.D.

Corporate advertising is expensive, and who really knows whether the billions of dollars spent each year on flashy images, celebrity endorsements, and promises of nirvana make any difference at all.  I suspect that the majority of these messages go unnoticed, blending in with the daily barrage of noise and chaos that has become such a mainstream part of our lives.

But, thankfully, not all of their messages go unnoticed.

I don’t remember when I saw it, but I do know – with absolute certainty – that I started to view the world and my role in it very differently the day I read an extraordinarily powerful ad by one of the top sneaker manufacturers.

The gist of their message was quite simple:

“They will tell you no…and you will tell them yes.”

I have no idea what that ad did for the company’s sales, but for me, I’m eternally grateful they made an investment that could actually touch lives, including mine.  For the first time in my life, I heard that I am capable, that I am strong, that I am enough.  For the first time in my life, I felt as though I had permission to live the life I wanted.  For the first time in my life, I challenged those limiting messages that had been stored in the recesses of my mind for so many years.

That ad started me on an unbelievable journey – a journey filled with confidence, strength, dreams, and an unwavering belief that the life I wanted would, some day, be mine.  I can’t imagine who or where I’d be if I never learned to say “yes” when they told me “no.”

I’d be lying if I said the transformation was instantaneous; it’s been more like wearing a pair of tightly-fitting shoes that needed breaking in (in my mind, they’re a gorgeous pair of strappy sandals with 3” heels).  Feeling I’m enough and strong and courageous and worthy and that I have a voice that speaks my truth was disconcerting, to say the least.  I liked my new shoes and was intrigued by what they had to offer me, but I wasn’t sure they were really meant for me.  But I kept wearing my new shoes – my new message – until they stopped rubbing against me in an awkwardly uncomfortable way and became a perfectly-fitting second skin.

I’d also be lying if I said that I never hear those limiting voices that had been in my head for so long. Yes, they do make an appearance every now and then, but I’ve discovered that those voices are loudest when I’m fatigued or discouraged.  I often find that as a new day begins, those voices are quieted.

So here’s my message to you:  Not only are you enough just as you are, but you are, in fact, the ONLY person in the universe like you.  If you don’t let your light shine, we all lose, because what you have to give to this world can only be given by you.  The world needs YOU just as you are.

YOU are strong and worthy and capable and special and a gift to this universe.  YOU have a truth that needs to be honored every single day.  YOU owe it to yourself to live your truth, whatever it may be.  YOU can create a life you both desire and deserve, quite simply because you are enough.

Make today the day you say “yes” when they tell you “no.”

Lynne’s mini bio:

Dr. Lynne Sherman is an in-demand speaker, seminar leader, and trainer and is the creator of the Live Like It Matters coaching program, a program that inspires and empowers people to transform their lives and that is drawn from her own professional transformation from secretary to psychologist.  As a recognized expert in change and transformation, she skillfully helps people free themselves from the loss that is present in all change.  Also, as a firm believer that everyone has a unique message and wisdom to share, Lynne also founded Author’s Empire, an intensive course designed to help authors and future authors get their message into the hearts, minds, and hands of a larger audience.

Lynne’s Links:

Website:  http://www.drlynnesherman.com

Facebook:  http://on.fb.me/drlswall

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/drlynnesherman

How Lynne knows Jaki:

The interesting thing about Jaki and me is that we’ve never actually met – in person, that is.  However, we’re both members of a mastermind group comprised of extraordinarily wise and courageous business owners, all of whom are women.  I am so blessed to have Jaki in my life as she not only knows she’s enough, but her light shines so bright, I can see it all the way from the UK.  Jaki has clearly said “YES” to the world, and I am thrilled that our paths connected along the way.

A Message from Jaki ~ Thank you

Lynne always inspires me to say Yes! I remember just over a year ago I was questioning myself, could I really do this, could I really help others, who was I to even imagine I could make a difference …. …. the self doubt questions were taking over – Then Lynne ….. well I saw her website ‘Live Like It Matters’, I listened to her inner confidence, her wise counsel and I said “Yes” – Thank you Lynne, the ripples of your friendship are still spreading out they are now part of the wave of change!

Simple Positive Steps You Can Take Now ~

• Remember ~ “Not only are you enough just as you are, but you are, in fact, the ONLY person in the universe like you.  If you don’t let your light shine, we all lose, because what you have to give to this world can only be given by you.  The world needs YOU just as you are.’
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In Gratitude

Jaki :)