Good morning.
It's Thursday, November twelfth.
Before we start...
think about how you've been talking to yourself.
Lately.
In the mirror this morning.
After that thing you forgot yesterday.
Was it kind?
Or was it kind of harsh?
A lot of us talk to ourselves...
in a way we'd never talk to others.
You wouldn't call a friend an idiot.
For burning the toast.
But you might say it to yourself.
Without even noticing.
No judgment on that.
Just notice it.
Get comfortable.
Rest one hand on your chest.
If that feels We nice.
have six Let's minutes.
spend them on your side.
Breathe in slowly.
Imagine breathing in warmth.
Like stepping into a warm kitchen.
And breathe out.
Let the critic's voice go with it.
In again...
warmth filling your chest.
Out...
the "you should have" voice.
Let it go.
In...
soft and warm.
Out...
the "who do you think you are" voice.
One more in...
And out...
let it get quieter.
It doesn't have to vanish.
It just doesn't get the microphone right now.
Now think of someone who loves you.
Maybe your mom.
Or the coworker who saves you a seat.
Someone who's glad...
when your name pops up on their phone.
See the look on their face.
How they light up.
What would they say is good about you?
Not what you think.
What they'd say.
Maybe they'd say you're funny.
You always know how to make them laugh.
Even on a bad week.
Maybe they'd say you're loyal.
You show up.
You remember birthdays.
Maybe they'd say you're kind.
You notice when someone's struggling.
You text first.
Or something else entirely.
Let it come.
Notice if part of you wants to argue.
Yeah, but.
That's the old habit.
Let it grumble.
You don't have to agree with it.
The people who love you...
aren't wrong about you.
They've seen you on good days.
And on the bad ones.
They stayed.
Let yourself see what they see.
Even for one breath.
It might feel strange.
Like wearing someone else's sweater.
Wear it anyway.
It fits better than you think.
Try these on, slowly.
See how they fit.
I'm allowed to like who I am.
The people who love me are right.
I can be on my own side today.
Rest here now.
In a kinder view of yourself.
You don't have to be perfect.
You don't have to prove anything this morning.
Just sit with the person...
your friends already know.
If the critic pipes up again...
that's fine.
It's an old voice with old habits.
You can hear it.
And still choose the kinder one.
The birds are busy outside.
Let that warm feeling stay.
Feel the seat under you again.
Sit up a little taller.
Roll your shoulders back.
Take one warm breath in...
And out.
Try this today.
Catch one mean thought about yourself.
Just one.
When you hear it...
stop for a second.
Think how you'd answer a friend...
if they said that about themselves.
Then say that to you instead.
It might feel silly.
Do it anyway.
You'd do it for anyone you love.
That includes you.
Open your eyes when you're ready.
Be kind to you today.