I have spent a wonderful weekend with a bunch of girlfriends, celebrating a hen party.  There is something special about being with encouraging, positive, supportive friends.

Until recently I would take every word that was said to me, especially the negative words to heart.  And if I’m honest, I would replay the negative messages more frequently than the positive messages received.

I wrote the poem ‘Choice Words’ to remind me to focus on the positive.  I am lucky that people say lovely things to me in the first few moments of meeting me as do people I have known for long periods of time.  This is where my focus now lies.

 

Choice Words

 

Your words are in my mouth

Repeated verbatim

From your tired stories

And overbearing opinions.

I caught myself

Reciting your sentiments

Like a pliable, polished puppet governed at your will.

But your thoughts are not my thoughts

I’ve learnt the lesson well to do as I’m told

Pleasing others before myself.

I won’t sustain this.

 

I will speak my truth

If I falter

I will lean on the words of the girl at the gym who says “you’ve got this”

Or my work colleague saying “you do make me laugh”

Based on our small shared interactions.

Or I will get a boost from those getting to know me better who say “you really are unique” and “you can do it! You’re so talented”.

I will stand on the shoulders of my long-term friends who say “I have seen your determination in action, I have no doubt that you will reach the top”.

 

I will dwell with the “Yes” camp.

The positive praise givers

That smile in encouragement

At my tiny attempts

To master my skills.

 

The words in my mouth

Will be my own

Punctuated by the plaudits that pulsate through me

Springing forth joy and assuredness that

I am on track to reach my goals.