self talkPower of Self Talk

WOWZERS!!! Imagine sitting on the sofa at a birthday party (not your party). While watching the opening to the Rio Olympics. Your brother-in-law gently tapping your arm to catch your attention and up on the big screen is YOU!!!

Yes this was my experience a few weeks ago and I have to say it was pretty darn AMAZING! I knew I did a commercial. But this was the first time I had seen it on television. Why this post? Because this experience wasn’t just about being in a commercial. It brought on a lot of soul-searching thoughts and I wanted to share.

When I was asked to do this I didn’t think much about it. In fact, I was trying to avoid doing it. It started with a testimony, then an interview, and wallah….I was asked if I would mind being in front of lights and cameras. “SAY WHAT….WHO…ME?” Yea that’s kind of how the conversation went.

The Pesky Internal Self Talk

Even when I said yes later, I wasn’t sure what I was agreeing to. Lots of scary, self-defeating thoughts and hopeless internal dialogue went through my mind. “You’ve never done a commercial. Heck you haven’t even acted before. You’re gonna mess up, trip, miss your lines. You’re gonna look so fat.” The whopper was “You don’t deserve to be in a commercial. I mean who are you?” Talk about some seriously sleepless nights. I was taking Rest on daily basis just to calm my mind and make all the negative ranting go away. I was drowning in self-doubt with the dial turned to turbo!

LIGHTS…CAMERA…ACTION!!!

Then comes the morning of…!!!! I almost called several times to say “Hey let’s forget it.” But I knew this team had traveled some distance so I had to move forward. I also couldn’t back out on all the family and friends that showed up to support. This gal was almost in tears as each familiar face came walking through those doors.

Trembling the whole time, leg cramps, and a gut full of knots; I did what they told me and ended up shocking myself along with the crew. Who would have known this skinny, shy, awkward little girl would one day be bold enough to step in front of the camera, not as someone else.  But as herself, doing what she loved with people that she cherished.

Famous or Nah

I have no idea where this commercial will go and though pretty awesome,  what stands out is not being on television. But the lessons I learned about myself and the invaluable memories that I will carry with me for years. This is truly my testimony to the power of belief!

Many times we hesitate on taking action to achieve things we want because something in us whispers, “You can’t do that.” or “You don’t deserve that.” One of my favorites, “It’s not real.” When reality is, YES YOU CAN and YES YOU DO DESERVE THIS!

I had a very wise person tell me to follow the 3 Second Rule (Thanks Chastity). You have 3 seconds to just act before all that negative self talk starts. If there’s something you’re wanting out of life, just jump! One thing I’ve learned is that you really do sprout your wings. Though I’ve fallen a little over the years and may fall some more. I have never hit the ground. 

This happy-go-lucky girl stepped through the fear, believed she could, and has learned to be comfortable being herself. Me and this ponytail have come far and through this process I have learned that people love and will go way out of their way to be there for you. The key is to never compromise who are you and always live your truth. People will love you for YOU and so never fear your authenticity.

A Grateful Heart

I’m so grateful for these priceless lessons and memories.  A special shout out goes to Hana Ahmad-Coleman, Robia Charbonneau, Lashell Hall, Andre Hall Jr., Sacia Fowler, Toshawnya Clay, Tasha Black, Chelsi Black, Justina Williams, and my little/big sis, Basheerah Ahmad for encouraging me to do this, regardless of the fear and showing up to say hello. Without you all this couldn’t have been done. Love you all!

By Aquilah Ahmad

"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi. All my adult life I have wanted to make a positive impact in the world. I've learned that true happiness comes from knowing your inner spirit by embracing stillness. My mission is to help others discover that same joy in their lives.

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