I am a big believer that words hold power. I believe in speaking life over the people we love, but I believe especially in speaking life over ourselves. This is not a natural or comfortable habit. It’s a muscle we must grow and flex, but the reward is well worth it. Having this tool in the toolbox when the going gets tough helps wage the ways of the world. 

We’re the ones who live with our own thoughts, and only we know if our internal landscape is positive or negative. It’s one thing to hear someone else encourage us (it’s game changing!), but it’s another to be able—and willing—to encourage ourselves. 

I’ve started a practice of writing myself pep talks for days, weeks, or seasons that feel particularly challenging, even if just between my ears. If you’ve never done anything like this, I’d challenge you to try it, even just once. 

It’s rather simple: Write down some fiery encouragement to yourself in the same way you’d deliver it to a friend. Don’t hold back. Write to yourself as a friend, a champion, a cheerleader. Why would we not use the gift of words for good in our own mental health journeys? I think you’ll be bewildered as you experience your inner critic shifting as you speak life and hope over your days. 

I wrote the anthem below over myself after being sick last summer. I was worried about returning to work after a few weeks off for our wedding, honeymoon, and then my unplanned and lingering illness. As I revisited these words each day, a spring of hope bubbled up within me. Not because I had all the right words, but because I realized I was cheering myself on. 

We are often good at believing in and hyping up everyone around us, yet cheering ourselves on can feel foreign. That dissonance started to break down for me thanks to the practice of these pep talks. 

If you find yourself sick and unwell, borrow these words as you keep on keeping with your responsibilities. Speak them over yourself, day after day. Even if you’re still weary and unsure if you believe the next few days will hold anything good, know that I believe for you. I believe God is good and has good for your life. I believe that even the days you feel woozy and out of it can still be good days, in the name of Jesus. 

A PEP TALK AFTER BEING SICK 

I speak life, joy, strength, and growth over this week. You may not feel your best, and your capacity may be diminished. Breaks and rest will be necessary. But don’t let them discourage you. You’re a human living in this fallen world. You need rest. You need breaks. You need the peace that surpasses all understanding. So seek Him; sit with Him. Ask what He wants to share with you; I have a feeling it’ll be heavenly and healing, the perfect duo. This is the first week back after some time—don’t let the adjusting and the return to reality scare you. It doesn’t discount the spiritual reality you’re living and the dreams you’re chasing; they work in tandem. It’s how He works. Have no fear; He will sustain you through every moment, supplying you with all you need for the journey.