“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning”
(T.S.Elliot)

I love this quote.

What was your language of last year?

What words did you use to drive your narrative and tell your story?

Was there an abundance of “shoulds” involved?

Perhaps there was a heavy sprinkling of “yes buts”, or “I will whens”?

How often did you cloak your achievements in words that made them less visible?

How many times did you say ‘I can’t?’

What we say about ourselves and our lives is powerful.

Saying something positive doesn’t make it happen

But it helps us believe that it could

And once we believe, then our behaviour begins to change, we take action, we take risks, we discover self-compassion

I have clients who have spent years talking themselves down

Years saying “I’m not good enough” Years saying “it won’t work.” Years saying “That’s not possible for me.”

And all those years, and all those words mount up

Until we have built a fortress around our lives

No way out.

Or at least that’s the way it feels, until we find the words to create the cracks in the walls

Cracks that become openings

“I could” becomes “I might” becomes “I will” becomes “I am.”

Self condemnation turns to self compassion

The narrative shifts

We reframe our thoughts

We  address our patterns

Our new voice awaits.