I Got This

My kids are all starting another school year.  They are excited.  All three kids are in brand new schools.  They will adjust.  The boys are already doing great.  Grace will do AWESOME in Jr. High.  But, Grace admitted to me that she is nervous.  "It's new, Mom.  What if I get lost?  What if I can't get my locker open?  What if I don't know anyone?  What if the kids don't like me?  Do you know how I feel, Mom?"  Yes, honey, I know those fears.  I reassured her, hugged her and told her that she is strong enough to handle anything.   And I reminded her that Daddy and I are always there to support her and help her tackle anything that comes her way. She walked away, with a new sense of confidence.

After she walked away, I sat there, thinking about the advice I had given my daughter.  Did I really believe what I said to her?  I have had the very same fears and asked the same questions, even today."It's new.  What if they don't like me?  What if I do fail?  What if I do it all wrong?" See, I'm learning that I have options when faced with these thoughts.  I can either, let them overwhelm me, or I can say "Thank you for sharing but be quiet.  I got this."  And lately, I have been choosing the second option.  I replace that negative talk with positive, encouraging talk.  I tell that mean, inner voice "Stop being mean to my friend, and I got this."   And do you know what happens every time I do this, I gain a little bit more confidence.  I feel a little better about myself.  And I get stronger.  And I feel wonderful about myself.

Don't get me wrong.  I still struggle daily with this but it's getting easier.  Because, "I got this."

Julie