What You Are Really Telling Yourself

I realized it a few weeks ago, recognized the words I had chosen as a mantra without even thinking about it.  Once I saw, I knew it had to change.  Words are so strong, and the words we tell ourselves can be the catalyst that makes or breaks us.

My mantra was "I'm so tired. I'm so tired. I'm so tired."  Repeated all day, the very first thought of each morning, the last at night, and innumerable times in between.

This near constant refrain shaped my day, my dealings with my children, the first words out of my mouth when my hardworking husband walked through the door.  My mantra was an excuse, a whine that drove me deeper into selfish pouting.  These words echoing in my head were polluting my life.  They needed to be sent packing.

I was dragging myself down and had no one to blame but me.  Instead of kicking the day off with a go-getter cheer, I set the tone for irritation, exhaustion and depression.

Was I tired?  YES!  Am I tired now?  Frequently!  Dwelling on that fact was not going to grant me rest, and it was not going to give me the strength I needed to get through the day.

In the weeks since, when I find myself beginning with that refrain, I quickly switch gears.  I started out that way this morning, looking bleary eyed at my mangled reflection in the coffee maker.  "I'm so..." Stop.  Reframe.

Sometimes you really do need to "fake it til you make it."

What I really needed was a sign post - something to shake me out of my fog of negativity and shine truth into my mind and heart. 

I love the Jewish tradition of a mezuzot, a tiny case on the doorpost of a traditional Jewish home, a reminder to keep God's word in mind and heart at all times.

I need a reminder of grace and hope, encouragement for every day.

Sometimes you need to drive out toxic words with life-giving ones, the ones that uplift and strengthen.  Banish the negative.  Embrace the positive.  Watch your world change.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)"

{Idea for reframing:  Write down some strength giving words.  Put them in a place you visit early in the day, repeat them to yourself as you go along.}