My Mantras Lately, And When I Force Them To Fill My Head

The person who talks to me the most is myself. What you hear the most sort of transforms into your reality. I haven't always been the mantra or self-talk kind of person. That has never really been a strategy for me. But recently, I discovered some one-liners that inspired me to start doing it.

I say these things as fact and cannot argue with myself about them. Here is a list of the things I say to myself when things get difficult, scary, joyful, or even confusing.

1. You didn't come this far to only come this far.

   1. This is a reminder that I have already done so much work that quitting now would be disrespectful to the pain and progress I have already endured. This applies to a long run or even long-term goals.
      

2. You were made to love and have fun.

   1. This one actually sounds super elementary now that I type it out but its simplicity keeps me grounded and remember that in the grand scheme of things, my job is simple: Love the people and things around me and have the best time I can while doing it.
      

3. What I give won't always return. But what I give is always what I am.

   1. I use this one when I find it difficult to stay calm, live generously, or when I want to say something to someone I ought not. I can't control what others do or give but I am in complete control of myself. If I want to be kind, loving, exciting, and joyful... those are the things I need to consistently give freely... no matter what I see in return.
      

4. Your comfort zone doesn't allow space for progress.

   1. I repeat this a lot when I am running or even when I am dreadfully getting dressed to go on a run when I don't want to and no one else is holding me accountable. (It is so ridiculously difficult when you're the only one making yourself do something hard, especially without instant gratification.) If you want change, it will cost you your comfort.

      
      

      

5. ... with all I've got.

   1. This is a unique one. I say this after I say I am going to do something. "I have a bartending shift tonight... and I am going to do it with all I've got." "I am driving three hours to go to my high school best friend's baby shower... and I'm going to show up with all I've got." "I'm hitting arms at the gym... with all I've got." "I have two older brothers and a younger sister... and I love them with all I've got." "I am becoming everything I've always wanted to be... with all I've got."

   2. Why would I waste my time, effort, and energy not doing what I can full-out and to the best of my ability? Sure, "all I've got" looks different each day, but what more can I ask of myself?
      

6. This life isn't about balance, it is about relentlessly pursuing your passions and interests every single day.

   1. This keeps me from finding excuses to not do what I said I would. I like to say my passion is being passionate... refer to point 5. For me, this looks like eating healthy, working out, being kind to myself, spending time outside, and staying consistent on the rest of my routine each day while filling my evenings and weekends with activities and people that bring me joy.
      

7. Forward.

   1. That is where I am going. Just keep moving forward. Toward better. Toward more. Toward the best version of myself. (If I get a shark tattoo anytime soon, this is why, so don't be surprised.)

      
      

8. You are worth fighting for.

   1. If you've read a few of my posts, you've probably heard this one. I say it ALL the time... out loud too. I say it to my mom on the phone at least once a week. When I hear this, I think of love. There is no greater love than to fight for someone or something, might as well fight for yourself.

I think it is so easy for bad, intrusive, and negative thoughts to fill our heads. In a world full of comparison and hate, it is sort of set onto us without our permission. Saying these things to myself over and over again or even reminding myself of a thing or two before making a choice offers me peace and the assurance that I am making the correct decisions.

Speak to yourself kindly, fill your head with fuel and positivity, and remember that no one talks to you more than yourself (take that seriously).

All my love,

Neva