I have no doubt that witchcraft has been a subject of fascination and fear for centuries. The notion of individuals possessing supernatural powers and using them to manipulate the natural world has captivated the human imagination. Throughout history, societies have grappled with the existence and implications of witches. In many cultures, witches are believed to be practitioners of dark and forbidden arts, capable of causing harm to others through spells, curses, and potions. These beliefs often stem from religious and cultural beliefs that associate witchcraft with malevolence and devil worship. However, it is important to recognize that the concept of witchcraft is not universal.
However, it is important to recognize that the concept of witchcraft is not universal. While some cultures see witches as evil and dangerous, others perceive them as healers, wise women, or spiritual guides. In certain societies, individuals with extraordinary powers were revered and sought after for their knowledge and abilities.
A Witch’s Brew to Ward Off Self-Doubt
One thing I struggle with is speaking about myself. I come from a background that values humility. Add to that my overall discomfort with being in the spotlight and you see how those moments can be fraught with fear and anxiety, not to mention the risk of making a really bad impression!
While I have been successful in letting my successes in my current job become apparent to others, I realize it is largely due to the help I get from my boss and co-workers who refer to my contributions (so I don’t have to). I know this will not always be the case so I want to stop shying away from opportunities to “pitch” myself, and learn to speak about my strengths with more confidence and conviction.
Hiding in the Shadows
I promise not to minimize your predicament by saying, “Pshhh! Just overcome your family traditions and your butterflies and let it out!” You have two significant hurdles to clear before you can feel comfortable and competent when speaking about yourself with ease.
The first is upbringing, and I would categorize this one as a “high hurdle.” You have spent that last 20-something years being told to hide your light under a bushel – that it’s impolite to step into the spotlight and talk about your strengths and unique capabilities. Time to start addressing your backstory.
“Backstories” lurk in the shadows of our consciousness. They serve one purpose: to inhibit our success, and ultimately our happiness. Deepak Chopra suggests that these perceptions emerge out of experiences we had as children and adolescents, and can become “full of hostility and resentment.” We are all capable of turning these stories around so they no longer undermine us.
The first step is to focus on one specific goal or near-term opportunity. For you it’s selling yourself in professional settings.
Now describe your doubts, fears or self-limiting beliefs that may be hindering your ability to realize this goal. Be specific and honest. Write them down now, while you read this post.
Next, can you identify where those doubts and fears come from? For you the answer is yes: “My parents and grandparents for starters.” Write down exactly what they would say to you if they saw you pitch your skills and talents to a stranger.
Now, answer this question: Is this backstory still true? Your letter clearly indicates that the answer is no, it’s no longer true. You understand how important self-promotion is to your career advancement.
Whether your answer is yes or no the above question, try to identify the strongest self-limiting belief you hold about this backstory. I’m hearing in your letter that you don’t deserve to put yourself out there. That talking about successes and accomplishments is for other people.
Now, answer this: who will you be and what will you gain if you could let go of this self-limiting belief? And finally, what immediate steps can you take to erase this backstory for good? In your case it is finding low-key, low-stakes opportunities to practice talking about yourself. Your local Chamber of Commerce is no doubt holding an After Five networking event this month and you could easily attend.
Moving on to the second hurdle: the icky, awful feelings of anxiety and self-doubt that creep in when you start to talk about yourself in an assertive and complimentary manner. Here’s one trick that works well: Summon your “friendship signals.” These signals are all non-verbal and therefore have nothing to do with the words that come out of your mouth (however stilted, stammering or confusing).
When you see a friend on the street, what do you do? You lift your chin, smile, raise your eyebrows, lean in, engage, and dare I say it, may even put your phone away! If those non-verbal signals are present, your listener will forgive a few verbal stumbles.
Here’s an easy-breezy formula for talking about yourself when opportunity knocks. Use these three sentence starters as a witch’s brew concocted specifically to ward off the self-defeating narrative that threatens to overtake your thought process:
- I am… (job title, organization, role, function, purpose, etc.). Use key words that will spark your listener’s attention)
- I have... (one or two accomplishments or things you are proud of )
- I hope to… (for a job search) or That has allowed me to… (for more generic purposes)
And if you are still quite nervous and want to turn the spotlight away from yourself, just redirect the conversation with a question like, “What about you?” or “But I would love to hear more about…”
Later on, when you are relaxed, you can offer more information in a casual manner. Rarely do you have to get everything out in the first 30 seconds. If you are engaging and attentive, and your listener is not in a rush, you will have time to provide a fuller, more impressive picture of your awesome self.
Thanks for your letter. We’d love to hear from more readers.
“Backstories” lurk in the shadows of our consciousness. They serve one purpose: to inhibit our success, and ultimately our happiness. Deepak Chopra suggests that these perceptions emerge out of experiences we had as children and adolescents, and can become “full of hostility and resentment.” We are all capable of turning these stories around so they no longer undermine us.
Furthermore, the idea of a witch has often been used as a tool for societal control and repression, particularly during periods of social and political upheaval. Witch hunts and trials, such as the infamous Salem witch trials in colonial America, were fueled by fear and paranoia, resulting in the persecution and execution of countless innocent individuals. Despite the historical and cultural associations, the existence of witches as supernatural beings with magical powers remains a matter of belief and superstition. There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of witchcraft or its practitioners. In modern times, witchcraft is often embraced as a form of spirituality and self-expression. Wicca, a contemporary pagan religious movement, celebrates nature and incorporates magical rituals into its practices. Many individuals find solace and empowerment in witchcraft as a means of connecting with the natural world and their own inner selves. In conclusion, the concept of witches and witchcraft is a complex and multifaceted subject. While it has been associated with fear, repression, and persecution throughout history, it also has been embraced as a source of power, spirituality, and cultural identity. Whether one believes in the existence and capabilities of witches is ultimately a matter of personal belief and interpretation..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Nature: Forging a Connection to the Earth's Energies"
- John Smith - 2/5 stars - I found "I have no doubt that witch" to be quite underwhelming. The plot felt disjointed and it was hard to follow the story. The characters also lacked depth and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. Overall, I was disappointed with this book.
- Jane Doe - 1/5 stars - "I have no doubt that witch" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was confusing and the author seemed to jump from one idea to another without any clear direction. The pacing was also off, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. I was expecting so much more and I was left feeling unsatisfied.
- Emily Johnson - 2/5 stars - I struggled to finish "I have no doubt that witch". The writing style was not to my taste and I found it hard to get into the story. The characters felt flat and I couldn't connect with them. Additionally, the plot was predictable and lacked originality. Overall, this book was a miss for me.
- Sarah Thompson - 3/5 stars - While "I have no doubt that witch" had some intriguing elements, I ultimately found it disappointing. The pacing was slow and it took a long time for the story to get going. The characters were also hard to relate to and I didn't feel invested in their journeys. The ending also left me wanting more closure.