What We Tell Ourselves Matters
Last spring, we painted my daughter’s room. Initially, she requested very bold and bright colors. Being more reserved, I said “Why don’t you do something more subtle and bring those colors into the room through accenting?” (Inner voice pleading: Please don’t do crazy-colored walls!)
Thankfully, this spurred an idea in my daughter. With the help of my sister-in-law, they executed Milana’s wall of words. I thought it was great, really great, but its greatness didn’t quite hit me until the other night when my daughter and I were lying on her bed reading together. As I closed my book, I looked at all the words on her wall encircling “Milana is…”
Different. Leader. Fearless. Proud. Lucky. Fast. Joyful. Dreamer.
Bright. Fashionable. Resourceful. Active. Brave. Fierce.
I thought, holy snap, crackle, pop, she wakes up to these words. Every morning. When the world hasn’t hit her yet, she gets to remind herself of who she is, in her own words.
Words have the ability to breathe life into us. Unfortunately, words can also tear the life right out of us.
I wish this wall was my idea but I’m grateful that my daughter has enough insight to surround herself with words that lift her up. I hope that as she rises from her bed each morning and when she lays her head to rest each night, that these reminders stitch tightly to the fabric of her core.
Because what we tell ourselves matters. In fact, the internal dialogue is probably the most important voice we hear. Our inner words define our inner relationship and our relationship with ourselves defines every other relationship in our lives. As a Together Counts™ partner, we recognize it’s important to remember that our health and well-being is not only in a physical sense, but mentally and emotionally as well.
My daughter’s wall is a reminder for me too. A reminder to choose my words so that they help me RISE and SHINE!
Kira Montuori is a writer, storyteller, speaker and author of her blog, MiddleMoments.com. As a working mom of four kids, she relates to various audiences by blending humor and humility to connect and inspire. Kira earned her Masters in Journalism from the University of Missouri and currently resides in Kansas City.
Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons that creatively integrate running. During the 10 to 12-week afterschool program, girls sharpen their independent thinking skills, celebrate their unique strengths and realize their power to make a difference in the world. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k run—an experience that unleashes their confidence and establishes a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.
For more tips on encouraging a healthy mindset, take a look at these other reads from Together Counts!
- Encouraging Girls to make Thoughtful Decisions
- Simple Strategies for Parents Promoting Healthy Habits
- Good for Your Heart