Day 6: on fire
What are the signs that you are on fire?
What I mean to say is: I mean to say, how does it feel in your body when something really gets you going?
Day 7: roadblocks or just detours?
What tends to trip you up?
What is your kryptonite? Ask yourself in the most compassionate of ways.
Times I feel on fire are often the times I'm pursuing my passions; writing, exercise and being creative. Some nights I can't not write. A good sweaty gym session makes me feel strong. When I'm on fire I feel healthy. I feel happy. And I do the types of self-care things necessary to keep that momentum going - eating healthy, getting enough sleep, quiet time and exercise.
I am well aware that when I allow myself to take care of myself, not only does my creativity flourish but I am better able to handle the big and small crisis that life throws at me.
When I'm on fire I feel confident.
Yet, it's my own self doubt that too often wipes out that confidence. My kryptonite is me.
I'm not really sure why I allow self doubt to be such big part of my life. I know that the voices in my head are liars. I know that it's vital to my physical, mental and emotional health that I keep those negative voices silenced.
The way to keep the voices away is by taking care of myself: eating healthy, exercise and rest. I know this. I have studied this. I teach this.
Yet I constantly struggle with it.
The voices tell me I'm not a size 2 and never will be so just eat the ice cream because no one likes me if I'm not that size 2. It doesn't matter that size 2 isn't even realistic for my 5' 9" frame. Everyone probably thinks I'm fat.
The voices tell me that my writing is stupid and self indulgent. No one wants to read what I write. A real writer would have published her book. A real writer spends her days drinking tea, reading, writing and sitting in the sun. A wanna-be spends her days working two jobs, taking care of kids and feeling guilty for not taking more time to write.
I am my own worst critic. There's no need for anyone else to put me down, I can do a pretty good job of that on my own.
I'm aware of my triggers. I'm usually aware when I'm spiraling down to a bad place again. Although I still struggle with the contentment and depression cycle, I do believe the cycles are getting shorter.
I am more determined, dare I say confident, to stop the low points immediately and to continue on with the self care I know to be necessary to handle the struggles of being a controlling person in a very out of control life.
This post is part of #AugustMoon, a series of daily writing prompts found at Kat McNally Words To Soothe The Weary Soul.
I can so relate to this, Jennifer! My inner critic is so supremely nasty that I reckon even my worst enemy would shrink from some of the stuff she flings at me. And, like you, I know that if I treat myself with care then she is less likely to appear.
ReplyDeleteBut that "treating myself with care" business can feel like such a tall order. Especially if I'm feeling unloveable to begin with.
It's such a tough one to break through. Sending hugs!