The Whisper

"You can do this" is the tiny whisper that has been softly echoing somewhere far, far away in the deepest, almost subconscious part of my mind.

Throughout this past incredibly challenging year, this relentless little whisper hasn't faltered. It just will not go away. It follows me even when I want to tell myself that, no, I can't do this. It accompanies me as if it were a loving parent who's patiently allowing me to throw my tantrums of frustration and get it all out of my system.

Then there are those thoughts, those lies, that seem determined to reign at the forefront of my mind. You know the ones. "You CAN'T do this. Look, you fell AGAIN. FACE IT... it's too hard. It's NEVER going to happen. There's just TOO MUCH going on. Life is TOO complicated. Your body and your health are not going to allow this. There's no time for this. Other things need your time and attention. Give up the fantasy already!"

And yet, as loud as those shouts are, that lovingly relentless whisper always returns, as if it has a divine knowledge that carries with it the most nurturing, uplifting, and loving energy. It sounds so soft that, at first, it almost seems quite fragile -- that is, until you hear the finality in its tone: "You can do this."

And in my heart, I not only recognize its intensity and power, but I can feel its resounding truth: I can do this.

It's as if the whisper knows just how much I've wanted this for myself for so very long and covers me with a veil of calm, understanding, and a knowing that no matter what life throws my way, no matter the hurts, disappointments, challenges, and obstacles, that loving myself is paramount and that taking care of me is priority.

That whisper is my simple truth.

And it's your simple truth, too.

It tells us so much more if we're willing to tune out the negative shouts and just listen to the powerful messages contained in its steady and unwavering whisper:

"Love yourself and honor the life you've been given. Earn it. Treat your body as the sanctuary that it was meant to be. Fill it with all that's good and wholesome. Stay firm in your convictions; be good to others; and make a positive difference in others' lives. Hold onto that which will make you better and discard those things that hurt you. Be happy; fill yourself with laughter; be brave; live your best life; and dare to dream.

And always remember... you can do this."