For the sake of this post, I'm not talking about the words we use in our stories. I'm talking about the words we use to describe ourselves and what we're doing.
You see, right now my confident self is in an epic battle with my insecure self. My insecure self is forgetting past milestones. She's sideswiping the positive emotions I feel when I work at something until I get it just right. She's trying to convince me that I don't have a voice, and that no matter how hard I try, I won't ever be a good enough writer.
I have a nasty habit of reminding people that I might fail. Each time I say those words, it's as if I'm setting one more pillow on the floor beside me. Soon I'll be surrounded by pillows of different shapes and sizes and colors, and each of them will be soft and ready to cushion my fall.
Recently, I heard a great message about the power of our words. The message included a story about a doctor who treated patients who hadn't been helped with traditional care. His treatment? Have the patients speak positively about their health, with positive results.
When we speak our words, whether they're negative or positive, we give those words life. We believe what we say about ourselves, so shouldn't we send our words in the direction we want to go?
My confident self is now telling my insecure self to lock her pathetic bum in the closet. She's reminding me to stop yammering about the problems facing my manuscript (the opening!), and to start focusing on a solution. She's knocking into my head that it doesn't matter how many attempts it takes, a problem can be fixed.
Yesterday I brainstormed with Awesome Hubby, and BAM!...a new opening was born. Positive thoughts have lifted my spirit, and reminded me what I'm capable of.
Are you with me?
Tell me, are you ever forced to plug your ears when your insecure self is trying to knock you down? How do you handle that beast?
Not familiar with Barney's theme song? Consider yourself warned: if you listen to it, this song will repeat in your head. All. Day. Long.