I got dressed for my morning walk and chased my dog (who was trying to avoid me) around the house to get him to put on his leash and head out the door. We were going to walk for a mile or so, and my Kobe has a love/hate relationship with going on walks. He hates getting his leash on, but once he is outside, he’s smiling big, smelling the grass every few steps, and attempting to run up to any person he sees.

I love morning walks. I enjoy the time I get to reflect and release some stress. Honestly, it gives me peace, and I desperately need peace right now. My doubts have been yelling at me, reminding me of everything wrong—everything I am not:

I am not a good writer
I am disappointing people
I am not promoting my book enough
I have disappointed people by not being a more engaging writer this year

“I am not _________.” You fill in the blank—I have thought it or said it about myself. I know this is part of how life ebbs and flows. One moment we are victorious, and then the next we question ourselves. We go through hard times, and we doubt. It takes a lot of work for the doubt to become a whisper and for the fear to subside.

I remember when I was in college and opening myself up to new experiences. I was nervous. I was traveling often and questioning my ability to navigate transit systems in other countries. I remember landing in Thailand and having to follow the signs in the airport to figure out where to go next. Eventually, I found the right place to go and my fear subsided; I got to my taxi and headed toward the hotel.

Each new experience like that gave me confidence. So, when I went to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and anywhere else, I felt more confident that I could get wherever I needed to go. I just needed to believe in myself, pay attention, and never be afraid to ask questions along the way.

The older I get, the more I realize that caring for myself and offering myself the same grace I give to others is transformative. I am not perfect. I need space to mess up and be human. I also need to remind myself that I can accomplish more than I think I can. I don’t have to give into my doubts and question my abilities. I have what it takes. I can find ways to care for myself and silence the lies along the way.

There are a few ways I’ve learned to turn my loud doubts into whispers. Sometimes, I go on a walk and the doubt melts away. Sometimes, I speak to a person who encourages me to keep writing, and I feel more wind in my sails. Sometimes, I share an idea for a project with a confidant, and they burst with excitement and rally for me. It’s so important to have solid community around you to cheer for you when you don’t feel like you can cheer for yourself.

Do you find yourself doubting your ability, questioning your dreams, or wondering how you will achieve a big goal? I know I am not alone in this, and many of you may be struggling too.

Sis, if you are struggling, I encourage you to find ways to turn your doubts into whispers. I hope you care for yourself so deeply that the uncertainty just melts away because you remained so committed to believing the best about yourself. The best about you is beautiful—it’s whole, it’s enough. You are enough.