No need to go into details, but this year my return home from college for the winter break was to hold a lot of challenges for me. In my last session with my counselor before leaving she gave me one final assignment to be completed on the plane ride home: create a list of ten mantras to use over the break. This is an exercise in “Positive Self-Talk” because I have a nasty tendency to be my own worst enemy. I’ve decided to share my mantras because… that’s what blogs are for I guess. Maybe some of them could also be useful to others.
- I’m stronger than I think.
I word it this way because I’m not trying to fool myself with these mantras. If I just said “I am strong,” that would probably be ineffective because I certainly don’t feel like a strong person. But it’s important to remind myself that even though I don’t always recognize my strengths, I have overcome quite a bit so I truly must be stronger than I think.
- I’m scared, but I’m also brave.
Being scared is not weakness. It’s natural. Being brave is persevering despite the gripping fear that makes it so hard.
- I’m not alone.
Sometimes I still feel alone despite the dozens of people in my life who support me. It’s important to remember how blessed I am to have these people in my life.
- Sometimes courage comes with crying.
This is another area in which I am way too hard on myself. I hate crying. But I do it all the time. Which means I get upset with myself often. But crying isn’t weakness either. Crying is a healthy way of processing and expressing my emotions, and it’s a heck of a lot better than trying to hold all of that crap inside.
- I’m doing the right thing.
This ones pretty simple, but I’ve found that I’ve had to use it a lot. When taking such a huge step as I have, there will always be obstacles that can invite doubt.
- I am ushering in change.
Even though change can be very hard sometimes, it can also bring forth a lot of positive outcomes.
- I am becoming…
Sounds really profound right? Or unbearably cheesy… But our actions do have an impact on us. My actions are molding me into a better, stronger, more confident person.
- Ten is a lot of mantras.
Okay, I get that ten is a great number when you’re making lists, but it seems a bit excessive for a list of mantras. I’m running out of ideas.
- I am not responsible for other people’s feelings/reactions.
I can’t really take credit for this one because it’s something that a mentor/friend told me before my trip home, but I think I’ve actually used this one the most so far. It is so, so important to remember that I cannot control how people respond to me. When people get upset, I am not responsible for their feelings.
- It will get better.
I hate ending on such a cliche note, but it is a good idea to remember that these challenging trials don’t last forever. Even when the struggle seems endless, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.
