My motto for 2009

[dampscribbler]

Inspired by kellyrfineman , (who was in turn inspired by cynthialord ), I am adopting a motto, a mantra, a meditation for 2009.  I've been thinking about it for a couple of days, there have been two contenders, but I read these words from Judith Warner tonight and knew that they are what I need:
If your dream of yourself is a bit of a nightmare, then you really owe it to your kids to let it go.

Here is Kelly's.

Here is Cynthia's.  

Comments

[kellyrfineman.livejournal.com]

Wow. Just, wow. I hope you end up with a much happier dream by year's end. Seems like something that positive affirmations might be good for.

Thank you

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's quite as bad as it sounds. I wrote that then dashed out the door to a movie, then realized on the drive to the theater that this may have deserved a little bit more explanation.

On the other hand, I truly do have a negative view of myself much of the time, and I have seen the pain in my daughter's eyes when I've expressed my low opinion of myself, so I will be practicing some positive self-talk and negating the all-too-common negative self-talk.

Re: Thank you

[kellyrfineman.livejournal.com]

I tend to speak about myself negatively as well - I need to work on it, too. I've always been good about not speaking about negative body image issues in front of my kids (long story, involving my mother and my own eating disorder in high school), but I'm pretty quick to label myself an idiot, etc., so I have some idea what you're talking about. Good for you for making a change - and replacement "scripts" will work, in such a case.

[jillbertini.livejournal.com]

Have you ever woken from a dream with laughter on your lips? I hope you have that experience in your waking life. It's so wonderful.

[dampscribbler.livejournal.com]

Yes! It's been a long time, but yes.

Thank you for your beautiful wish.

[jillbertini.livejournal.com]

You are welcome.

I had nothing but nightmares for many years. I still often have them. I am always grateful that my waking life is nothing like my dream world.