Good morning,
I'm Susan Guttridge and I'm honored to be starting this day with you.
Before we begin,
Take a moment to shift and stretch your body.
These gentle movements just start to awaken your body from rest.
Then,
Inhaling in together,
Breathing new energy into every part of your body,
And exhaling out,
Allowing yourself to gently arrive in this new day.
Today,
For your morning inspiration,
I'd like to turn our attention to something that's incredibly powerful but invisible to the eye,
That voice inside our head,
The one often referred to as our self-talk.
Consider this,
If you had a friend who spoke to you meanly,
Criticizing your every move,
Chances are you'd quickly decide to spend less time with them.
Yet,
How often do we allow that very same harshness to echo in our own minds,
Directed from us to us?
As you start to listen to the inner voice in your own mind,
What have you heard it saying lately?
Has it been shaping your inner landscape in ways that might be keeping you small,
Held back,
Or full of self-doubt?
Perhaps that voice comes from a part of you that's trying to protect you.
It might be afraid of mistakes,
Afraid of disappointment,
Or simply trying to keep you safe from perceived harm,
But in its effort to protect it often limits.
So this morning,
I invite you to cultivate a new relationship with that inner voice.
When you become aware of it speaking harshly,
Could you take a moment to pause,
Take a breath,
And ask,
Is this helping me right now?
What if I were to respond to myself with the same kindness and encouragement I'd offer my good friend?
Imagine cultivating an inner voice that sounds like a supportive ally,
Understanding,
Patient,
And encouraging.
This doesn't mean you ignore challenges,
It means you face them with compassion,
Knowing that your best effort is always enough.
And the amazing truth is,
When we speak to ourself kindly,
We have more energy to show up and move forward.
I invite you to carry with you this intention.
Be a friend to yourself.
When you notice that inner voice turning critical,
Gently interrupt it.
Whoops,
There I go again.
Then offer yourself a word of kindness.
Remind yourself that every step,
Every attempt,
Every learning is part of your unique journey.
You are always deserving of compassion,
Especially from yourself.
Let your inner dialogue be one of encouragement,
Understanding,
And trust,
Allowing you to show up more authentically and bravely in this world.
Thank you for being here.
Be well today.
