I was walking through the car park at work and observed a magpie attacking its own reflection in a car’s side mirror.
“Stupid bird,” I thought to myself.
I thought for a moment about how silly birds are attacking themselves and then I realised that maybe we’re not that different.
How many times are we our own worst enemies?
How many times do we fail to take advantage of an opportunity because we don’t believe in our own abilities?
How many times do we allow fear to hold us back?
How many times do we distract ourselves with meaningless activities instead of doing what’s really important?
How many times do we allow our negative emotions to over-ride the positive?
How many times do we sabotage our own efforts at changing a habit or reaching our full potential?
Michael Jackson (another great self-saboteur) once sang,
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change!
Don’t be like the magpie any more.
Stop sabotaging your own efforts.
When you look in the mirror, be kind to yourself, encourage yourself and start to make the changes necessary to be your very best.
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6 comments
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February 22, 2012 at 1:35 am
Debbie
Thank you for the gentleness of this, Coach D! God bless you!
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February 22, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Debbie
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February 22, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Lynne
Very informative and encouraging post. Thanks for sharing.
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February 22, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Lynne
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February 23, 2012 at 5:13 am
granbee
Darren, I have quit sabotaging myself as my “thing to do postively and differently” for Lent. I have completed over 12 hours now, attended a Lenten Altar and Luncheon time at my church. The way I quit sabotating myself is to continue to speak softly and wait a full 30 seconds after someone else has finished speaking before ofference a VERY short response. My wordy enthusiasms are quite appropriate on my own blog, in my comments with you guys, and in my writing projects–not in person with most other people! Pray for me, okay! I will have only one other predictable time of testing this today, at our evening Ash Wednesday service, going and coming! You are just fabulous and such a gift to so many! Hope your dear wife doesn’t mind us ol’ ladies in Blogland telling you we love you!
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February 23, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks very much Rose. I read your last comment to my wife and she doesn’t mind at all.
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