Tell-Tell Signs You Don't Believe In You

Don’t limit your potential... by limiting your beliefs about

what others can accomplish. Yes, go back and re-read that

sentence.

At a recent gathering, someone shared how she had been

invited to participate in a panel discussion about her

activism. Though she was excited, she couldn’t quite

believe that they had chosen “her” to speak. As she

spoke, it became clear to me, her self-doubt about her

own abilities spilled over into her opinion about others,

including her uncertainty about my candidacy for Sheriff.

This struck a familiar chord with me. During my journey as

a yoga instructor, I’d often watch others hold postures with

ease - postures I longed to master. Instead of focusing on

myself, I’d catch myself thinking, “They’re such a

show-off.” It wasn’t until years into my practice that I finally

held that coveted pose. But instead of joy, I felt the weight

of my own negative thoughts creeping back in: “People

are going to think “I’m showing off now.” It dawned on me

then that my judgment of others was simply a reflection of

the doubts I harbored about myself. I had projected my

self-limitations onto others.

When we reflect on great leaders and teachers throughout

history - whether it was Moses, who had a speech

impediment, or the petite powerhouse Mother Teresa, or a

16-year-old child bride who had her first child at 17 and

gave birth to her 13th at 42, which was my mother - we

should not be asking, "Are “they” capable?" Instead, we

must ask ourselves, “What am I capable of accomplishing

if I refuse to doubt the God-given gifts in others?”

When we release the limiting beliefs we hold about

ourselves, we open up the capacity to embrace and

celebrate the greatness in others. And when we begin to

appalude others, we unlock a powerful energy allowing us

to live with a greater intensity and purpose.

There are eight billion people in the world and there is

enough work for all of us. I believe in you. And I am asking

you to believe in me and my commitment to serve as your

next Alachua County Sheriff.

If not now, when will we answer our callings? When will we

walk the path in the highest capacity that humanity needs

us to be? Now is the time. Let’s believe in each other and

move forward, for a brighter, more secure Alachua County

for ALL.