This is a cross-post I did today at WeAretheRealDeal.com. You can click here or read it after the jump.
I used to think it was totally hokey to have a mantra. I thought only incense-burning, granola, living-out-of-my-backpack types had mantras.
But as I’ve gotten older, suddenly, I’ve found myself relying on them more and more.
Repeating these words to myself, or on my blog, have really helped me — even inspired me to be a better person, a healthier person.
Love her or hate her for her ever-changing body image stance (“I love my curves, mean media, leave me alone!” and then in the next breath, “Look at me, I’m hot, I lost 20 lbs in a week!”), Jennifer Love Hewitt shares her mantra in this month’s SHAPE magazine.
Ever since turning 30 in February, Jennifer’s been practicing the art of positive thinking. At night she says five things she finds sexy about herself. “I fall asleep feeling beautiful,” she says. “Then, in the morning, before I leave the house, I say five things I love about myself, like ‘You have really pretty eyes.’ That way I can go out into the world with that little bit of extra confidence. It’s a feel-good protein-shake in my back pocket in case someone messes with me that day.”
I really like this a lot, it reminds me of Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful blog–which I highly recommend we all visit and share our own Post-Its/notes. (Mine was: “You are beautiful inside and out; don’t forget it!”)
Here are some of my personal favorites:
“No choice” and “Choose pride over guilt.” (to remind myself I can choose to not engage in DE behaviors, or mindless munching)
“One sweet moment at a time.” (to remind myself to be patient and embrace life in the here and now)
“You’re worth it.” (to remind myself that regardless of what I see in the mirror I am “unapologetically me” and beautiful for it; I sign off a lot of e-mails and blog posts this way)
“To be womanly always, discouraged never.” (to remind myself of the words I love and want to live by, from my sorority’s symphony)
Having mantras seems to make my days easier, especially when I’m feeling down. Maybe I am “hokier” than I thought?!
How about you? Do you have a body image-related mantra (or other mantra) that you repeat to yourself? Have you visited Operation Beautiful?
Let There Be Light 
I read that article, and that part stuck out to me, as well!
I have mixed feelings about JLH (for the exact reasons you listed…she claimed to love her curves and be happy with her body, then she dropped 20 like THAT), but I think her idea is wonderful. Immediately I thought of 5 things about myself, and she’s right…it makes you feel better. Stronger. Now I just have to try and remember to remind myself of 5 things everyday. 🙂
I don’t have a mantra, but I’d like to have one. I think they can be very effective!
Do it, Holly! And get a pumpkin spice latte as a reward 🙂 You gotta tell me how you like it!
Interesting article. I might try the “5 things” approach. Angela at “Oh She Glows” mentioned yesterday a trick about using paperclips to make a “chain” with each clip representing a negative comment you make about yourself or just life in general to visualize that bad habit. I know I do it all the time.
Oh that is a really good idea, too, Lara!! Though I am afraid some days the paper clip “chain” might be pretty long, I guess it would be a very good visual tool for making the next day better!
I love mantras and try to use them all of the time. I think there are a lot of times where I could use more of them! Great post