Self Talk
I first heard Jennifer Rothschild a few years ago at a Women of Faith Conference. She came on the stage, which was circular so the speaker could be seen by everyone and could move around. As Jennifer talked and walked around that stage, she mentioned that she lost her sight at age 15. I was astounded. She wasn’t encumbered by anything. She strolled around the stage like she was walking in the park–like she could see. More than anything, I remember that she spoke with boldness and power about the things we say to ourselves.
Jennifer’s book, Self Talk, Soul Talk , asks the questions:
“Are You Telling Yourself The Truths?
Have you every notice the things you silently tell yourself—and believe?
I could never do that.
They don’t like me.
I am such an idiot!”
Get the idea?
Shaming Self Talk on Overdrive
I have a huge mom’s heart. I love my kids (42, 41, and 36) like crazy. They are great adults who are all loving people.
This past week, I had a day when my “regrets self talk” was on the rampage. It was out for blood and my “mom’s heart” was the target. I reminded myself of things that I had done that were not my shining moments in my life. The self talk then projected all the negative my choices did, could, might, possibly have on my kids.
Tears came. I felt the desire to run, hide…anything. Yeah sure…like how do you run from the not enough-ness? In times past, this might have immobilized me. Not now. I don’t do that gig anymore!
Finding Your Soul Talk
Negative self talk is a distraction. That’s all. You and I are fully at choice to play the game or not.
Today what I do to replace unhelpful self talk with helpful talk that feeds my soul, my heart, my being, my intentions, my truths.
As the mental mom bombs hit, I choose to fill my heart and soul with gratitude—simple gratitude. You’d be surprised how much love comes with being grateful.
So my soul talk goes something like this: “I am grateful for my wonderful kids. I am grateful that we can talk openly about anything. I am grateful that they feel safe with me. I am grateful that God is bigger than any mistakes I made in the past. I am grateful that my kids are loving, capable and responsible adults. I am grateful for authentic relationships with my kids.” You get the picture.
“When we aren’t turned in to what is true, we are taken in by what is transient.”
~ Jennifer Rothschild
I challenge you to consider where can you shift your self talk to soul talk that supports you, affirms you and loves you?
Plant your gratitude flag! You are worth it.
Blessings!
