When times get tough you need a mantra. When times are awesome you need a mantra. What’s a mantra? a little phrase you repeat over and over to help you through a difficult moment or to recharge you when you’re tired or to help realign you to your life’s mission. The best-known example is the classic children’s story “The Little Engine that Could” who repeated “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” as he charged up the hill.
My personal mantra that I’ve used for the past 15 years is faith-based, Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. I learned Bulgarian and lived there with that mantra, I birthed three children naturally with that mantra. I wrote my business plan in 48 hours with that mantra. I got through a family financial crisis with that mantra. I finished my first triathlon with that mantra. (For physical events I tweak it up, “I am fit, I am strong, I am free, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”)
How do you develop a mantra? For me a scripture in the bible resonated with me and I knew that it would give me a source of power and confidence in difficult times so I tried it and when I had negative thoughts or self-critical moments, the phrase would run through my head. I’ve made physical reminders of my mantra as bookmarks, 3×5 cards, and even a poster. I don’t think I’ll ever change my mantra, but I might create new ones for additional empowerment.
Do you have a mantra? What is it and how has it served you? Leave a comment, we’d love to hear your experience and ideas.
I am a perfectionist and so my mantra is good because it gives me permission to be human: “They can’t all be masterpieces”:-)
Susie’s Homemades last blog post…Chicken Mexican Cheesecake
Hi Susie, thanks for sharing, I love your mantra