Zebra Wisdom: Zebras Do Not Care for Spots

Zebras are beautiful animals with their unique black and white stripes that come in different patterns. Their body stripes are often compared to human fingerprints – this makes each zebra unique. Zebras don’t spend an ounce of energy trying to change their stripes into spots. A zebra takes its stripes wherever it goes. – African proverb

Don’t spend your life trying to change your stripes into spots. A healthy self-image starts with learning to accept and love ourselves. Accept who you are and make peace with the person in the mirror. Your self-image can be your most powerful tool – or your worst enemy. Self-acceptance can set you free, but unhappiness within yourself, about yourself, can keep you hostage. Be who you are and say what you feel because “those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Baruch

A positive self-image affects our overall well-being. Relationships and daily interactions are influenced by the way we view ourselves. Your relationship with yourself will determine the outcome of your life because if you project a positive self-image, you send out positive energy and will draw positive people towards you.

Don’t be afraid to break free and stop believing the negative programming that other people sometimes try to impose on you. Value all that you are. Look at your past, present and future. Then you may be able to understand who you really are.

Only when you know who you are, can you become who you were meant to be.

From African Wisdom by Dr. Lanette Hattingh

Dear Net Buddies,

What is the “negative programming” that you see, hear or feel that “others try to impose on you”?

Does this reflect what you think about yourself or your future?

What one small step can you take every day to counteract the negative expectations others have of or for you?

You know what to do – write down your thoughts with confidence and share them strong.

Read more about Dr. Lanette Hattingh

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