Before the world gets a chance to tell you who you are today, let's
tell you first.
The phone can wait.
So can the inbox.
Nobody's opinion has shown up yet,
and for a few minutes it's only you.
Sit somewhere comfortable.
Rest your hands in your lap, palms up if that feels nice.
Close your eyes.
Let's ground you first.
Breathe in slowly through your nose...
And out through your mouth...
letting your shoulders drop.
In again...
feel your chest widen a little.
And out...
feel the weight of your body in the seat.
One more.
In...
and notice your feet on the floor.
And out...
slow.
You're here.
I'm going to say a few things.
You can repeat them in your head, or just let them land.
You don't have to believe them all the way yet.
Some mornings they feel true.
Some mornings they don't.
If you like, rest one hand on the middle of your chest.
Feel it warm there, rising and falling.
That's who these words are for.
I am worthy, just as I am this morning.
I don't have to earn my rest.
My worth isn't measured by how much I get done today.
I'm allowed to take up space.
I get to be kind to myself, even on the days I fall short.
Notice which one was hardest to say.
There's usually one that catches in your throat.
That's probably the one worth coming back to.
Now, gently.
Somewhere along the way, most of us picked up the idea that we weren't
quite enough.
Maybe it came from a teacher, or a parent who was tired.
Maybe it came from comparing yourself to everyone else online.
Maybe you can't even remember where it started.
See if you can notice that old story.
It usually has a voice.
It might say, "Try harder."
Or, "Who do you think you are?"
You don't have to argue with it.
Just notice it's an old voice.
It's been repeating itself for a long time, and it was never really yours.
It probably started as a way to keep you safe, or to keep people
happy with you.
Fair enough, back then.
It just doesn't get to run the show anymore.
Picture yourself picking that story up, like a heavy old bag, and setting it
down on the floor beside you.
You can leave it there.
Your mind might wander off here, or pick the bag right back up.
That's normal.
You can set it down again.
As many times as you need to.
Now, with your hands a bit freer, let's try a few more.
I deserve good I things.
can receive kindness without paying it back right I'm away.
allowed to ask for what I I need.
don't have to shrink to be liked.
I was worthy before I did anything My today.
mistakes don't cancel out my worth.
Let those Breathe.
settle.
You don't have to do anything with them right now.
Okay.
Let's bring you back into the morning.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Sit up a little taller than you were, just for fun.
Take one more full breath in...
And let it go.
Now open your eyes.
Let the light in slowly.
Picture the first thing you'll actually do today.
Pouring coffee, maybe, or pulling on your shoes by the door.
Now picture doing it as someone who already knows they're worth something.
Same task.
You're just standing a bit differently.
Later today, someone might forget your worth.
Maybe even you.
When that happens, put a hand on your chest and say it once.
I am worthy.
Then carry on.