"It's Just a Thing!"

Today, I want to talk about mantras. Thousands of thoughts worm their way through our brains every single day, but how many of those thoughts are actually of a positive nature?  What do you see when looking in the mirror?  How do you react to challenges and adversity? Who do you want to be?

         I have said before that sometimes, positivity is a load of crap. It’s not always easy to see the bright side, especially if you feel as though you have no control over anything in your life. My condition varies in the sense that today, I might be able to put my own socks and shoes on, and tomorrow, there is a possibility that my legs will be so stiff that I have to ask for assistance with both. The reality is that when we wake up in the morning, not a single one of us can predict exactly how the day will play out.  I think that uncertainty is a huge trigger for the negative thoughts and self- talk we tell ourselves.

A few months back, I was having a really difficult time adjusting to an issue that I now consider to be a new “ normal” in my life.   A dear friend of mine suggested that I create a mantra that I can say to myself when I feel like everything is out of control. If you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart, my friend.

“ It’s just a thing!”

This is my mantra. I chose these words, because in the midst of my uncertainty, it helps me to remember that while I am dealing with these issues now, there is one thing I am certain of; hard times do not last forever.

It’s also a reminder to be proud of how far I have come, regardless of the challenges I have encountered throughout my life.

I think it is important to remember that challenges, although they have the potential to change you, they do not in any way define who you are as a person. This is an extremely prevalent issue among us. It’s elusive. It is why so many of us see ourselves in a negative light. It is why many of us only see our flaws and imperfections when looking in the mirror. It is why the opinions of others matter so much.

I want to tell you that despite everything you’ve been through, you are beautiful, you are awesome, you are strong, and you can do this.