So, are you thinking about becoming celibate? Or, have you already made that decision? But now you’re catching flack from everybody and their mama!

You hear things like:

• “You’re crazy.”
• “There is no way you’ll be able to do that.”
• “What does your man think about it?”
• “Just wait ’til the mood hits you, then talk.”

It won’t be the first time you will be faced with self doubt.  And you will feel, on a daily basis, as if you are fighting an up hill battle. So, what’s a girl to do? When the naysayers attack and you’re not sure if you can trust your decision, arm yourself with these 3 important keys to successfully conquering your season of celibacy:

#1) Remind yourself why you made this decision

So, go ahead and pull out all of your research.

• What were your reasons for making this decision?
• Are you a Christian? Or is it because of your faith?
• Was it for health reasons?
• You just don’t think you’re ready for sex?
• You just want to save yourself for marriage?

Whatever the reasons, you did the research. So now is the time to strengthen your resolve.

#2) Surround yourself with those who share your values and convictions

Well, you don’t get to choose your family, but you do get to choose your friends. Ditch the ones who don’t have your back and find and befriend those who will champion your goals. There are many people out there who will support you. In fact, you may be surprised at just how many.

And you may also be surprised to become an influencer in the process.

In fact, there may be some people on the fence who may come over to the purity side because of your example.

#3) Believe you can do it

No matter how hard you are hit with negativity, you must believe that you can joyfully champion your season of celibacy. I found this nugget of a poem below a long time ago and it does wonders for my thinking.  I call this one…well, actually, Walter Wintle calls it…”Thinking.”

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think that you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a young girl’s will.
It’s all in her state of mind.

Read more at The Celibate Woman.