I am the main character, the nameless hero of today’s story. I didn’t feel very well in the morning: I was tired, and my body was in pain. It would have been nice to curl back in the bad and stay there all day. But at the same time, I knew I had a lot to do. In the car back home, I had the craziest thought that I wanted to exercise. I imagined it would feel so good if I just did some basic movements, it might help to ease the cramps too. Then I heard the familiar voice in my head: “There’s no time for this today. You’re not even well. Why would you force this now?” At first, I nodded to myself. But when I got home, I took out my yoga mat, changed my clothes and turned on the music. I felt more and more energised and happy. I warmed up slowly to take care of my spine and joints. I didn’t want to do a workout today to cause pain, punish, or burn that fat but to heal, give strength, nourish and motivate. Nobody but myself.
When I say challenge a negative thought, I’m asking you that the next time when you reply immediately with something like „No, I can’t” or „It’s impossible”. Then stop for a moment and look at this thought. Because many times these drivers turn on because it is easier not to change anything because “oh, it wouldn’t work for me anyway”. Are you sure? Have you tried? No, because it’s much easier to say the usual. You already know that, even if it’s not good for you anymore. The root of these can often be found in childhood. But the fact that someone told you at the age of ten that it wouldn’t work for you anyway, and then you believed it, doesn’t mean that you can’t question it at the age of 30-40. Just because you failed ages ago doesn’t mean you can’t do it now. Dare to challenge negative thoughts and see that something is no longer as it used to be. These internalisations are formed to protect us as children. But even as adults, they accompany us and often keep us in good old comfort zone when we step on an unfamiliar road.
Back to my workout story. My inner voice advised me to be lazy today, while I felt it in my body, and I knew from years of experience that it is better for me (both mentally and physically) to do the workout. And you know what? It was amazing because I won against my negative self.
What will be the thought that you challenge today?
e you’re just going in circles and not getting anywhere, maybe it’s worth sharing your ideas with someone else and looking at your plan from a different perspective.
How is this helpful for self-care?
Eva Moricz Coaching 