Being Generous

There is a lie (well, at least one) that I seem to unconsciously live by, even though I recognize its presence and chains with some regularity. I see my friends struggle with the same thing, and friends don’t let friends believe lies about themselves, so here we go. 

The lie is that there isn’t space for me in this big ol’ world. That the things that light me up, that bring me joy and give me life— this world doesn’t need them, doesn’t want me to share them, and who the hell am I to think that it does? How presumptuous of me. 
I need to keep those things to myself, because otherwise I’m just attention-seeking, or fishing for approval. Other people can share because they are purer than I am: more humble, more friendly, more... anything. Whatever I think I’ve got I can just go ahead and bury in the dirt. That’s where it belongs. 
Let me reiterate: that’s the lie. 

Then I attribute all this judgment I am feeling to the world at large, when in fact I am the one judging myself. The world will say what it wants about me- if anything! - and I can’t stop it. 
In reality what’s stopping me is what I’m saying to myself. I am the only one I need to deal with.

And the Truth is, there is space for me here. And there is space for you. 
Let’s be generous with ourselves. 

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
1 Corinthians 4:2-3

Do not neglect the gift you have...
Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
1 Timothy 4:14-15