BANZA February 2016 Issue | Page 71

2. Empower people by being confident It's easier to reduce yourself to a being worthy of compassion. People will feel your misery and will try to help you. But on the contrary, how inspiring is it to be around somebody who is genuinely confident? It makes you feel that you can do it too, right? 3. Stop the gossip. Stop the complaints Complaining is a negative energy that locks us into a certain way of thinking. When we look for the negative in others, we zoom in on exactly that -- the negative surrounding us. Once we shift our radar towards what inspires us in others, we are instead looking for a connection, growth, love, joy, and uplifting energies. Those are the qualities we will then be able to nurture in our lives. It takes time and practice to achieve this shift. The road might be bumpy, and you might have to redirect some conversations when you first start practicing. But it will get easier and easier until it turns from a practice into your second nature! 4. Balance of gentleness and firmness The best thing you can do for yourself is finding that balance for yourself. Find out when you need to give yourself a kick, but also, when you need to give yourself a big hug and a bubble bath.