Keep the Faith

Fear and doubt can undermine your faith — in God, yourself, or in your ability to cope. When you meet with one of life's inevitable challenges, stop for a few minutes to reaffirm your faith. The whirling dervish will settle down.

• Repeat an affirming message, such as: "It'll all work out — it always does" or your favorite.
• Recite a favorite prayer or this well-known Serenity Prayer: "God give me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
• Read an inspiring quotation, such as this one from Dag Hammarskjold, former secretary general of the United Nations: "Never measure the height of a mountain until you reach the top. For it is only then that you will see how small it really is."

A small crack in confidence can grow into full-blown anxiety if left unchecked. Shore yourself up with affirmation, prayer, and inspiration.

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Excerpted from Recharge in Minutes ©2003 Suzanne Zoglio, PhD www.zoglio.com Buy the book

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