Mantra

I recently started running again. I've always liked running because it is free, self powered, you can do it anywhere, and while running, you become one with your surroundings. You are no longer a tourist or a vacationer, you just simply are. Nonchalantly, a runner makes her way through the streets, largely unnoticed. This means the travel is covert. The world is yours to see, hear, feel and experience, and no one else really even notices. That creates a raw connection that I really love.

Of course starting back after some time off, it is also hard, slow work. My first few times out were grueling and contained more walking then running, but I am OK with that. I was out. I was moving. Then I remembered the mantra. I am strong, powerful, and fit. I am strong, powerful, and fit. Insert the words that you need to hear, and repeat them often. 

As I began to repeat my mantra, my running became less of a burden, and I did indeed become more powerful and fit. My run finished in a run and I threw my fist into the air, feeling strong, powerful, and fit. What, I wondered, if we chose mantras daily. I am beautiful, smart, and valued. I am beautiful, smart, and valued. I am beautiful, smart, and valued. We need to begin being kinder to ourselves and providing those pep talks as needed - often. Society is happy to pull us down with negative images we can not live up to and commercialism that reminds us we are not good enough, but what if we reminded ourselves that we are. Because, WE ARE!