day 24::be your own cheerleader

whether you think you can or think you can’t — you are right. ~henry ford

a couple of months ago, tripp and i were out jogging.  it was the worst heat of the summer.  my dear husband…being an athlete his whole life – he was just trucking right along.  me on the other hand?  i was DYING.

i’ve said this before, but i am not a great runner.  it did not and still does not come easily to me.  but i just keep at because it’s good for me in so many ways.. both physically and mentally.

anyway, tripp and i are jogging along and we pass by a couple who were strolling with their cute little dog.  and i guess the woman saw how much i was struggling because she said to me, “you’re doing great!  keep up the good work!”

something about the encouragement of a complete stranger breathed a little bit of life into me.  i stood up a little straighter, put my shoulders back.  running wasn’t any easier mind you – but just the thought of this lady’s kind words gave me the little boost i needed.

i think so often in life, we are our own worst critic.  in the case of my running experience, my inner dialog was along the lines of, “if you would lose a little weight, running might not be so hard.  you need to work harder.  try harder.  quite being such a sissy.”

i can be so hard on myself sometimes.

i was thinking about my encounter with this lovely woman all the way home that day.  because i’m not just critical of my running, i’m also critical of my Art.  and i wondered, what would happen if i was this kind and encouraging to myself?  what if told myself, “good job!  way to go kel!  hang in there!  you got this!”

how might my own positive words change the way i see my Art?

now, just so we’re clear, what i’m not talking about is blowing smoke up your own ass – because trust me…i’ve done a good bit of that in my lifetime too. and that really doesn’t any good.  no, what i mean is being your own cheerleader.  patting yourself on the back for your hard work.  for all the success, but for all the failed attempts as well.  speaking positive words over your Art.

gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. ~proverbs 16:24

i don’t know where you are with your Art, but in case you needed it today, i’m sending you a virtual high five.

 

you’re doing great!  hang in there!  you got this!

love, kelly

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