What Do You Need to Hear?

There's a feeling when someone tells us what we need to hear, whether it's a word of encouragement or a reminder that we're not alone. It can feel like a sort of clicking or unlocking in our hearts, in our minds, or in our ability to move forward. And the thing we tend to forget is that we can give those words to ourselves. We can accept where we are and ask ourselves: What do I need to hear? It's a self-care question that comes to us from one of our favorite podcasters: Tracy Clayton. And today, we'll use it to think of language we can use for our next cloudy day and practice kindness and self-acceptance in the middle of a storm. Find yourself in a comfortable position, sitting, standing, even laying down if you like. Gently close your eyes if you can, and let's try some timed breathing together. Feel free to modify however you need. Take a deep breath in, and if you can, hold it three seconds. One, two, three. Then slowly release. One, two, three. Inhale on a three count. One, two, three. Hold again for three. One, two, three. And release on a three. One, two, three. Continue this pattern. In for three. Hold for three. Out for three. I'll let you practice on your own. Let your breath return to its natural pace. I'm going to guide you through a series of questions. As we move through this exercise, consider saying your answers aloud or allow yourself to really hear them in your head. Let's begin. What do I need to hear when I wake up? What do I need to hear when I'm trying something new? What do I need to hear when I feel down? What do I need to hear when my mind is racing? What do I need to hear when I need to rest? What do I need to hear when I've accomplished something big? What do I need to hear at the end of each day? Wonderful work. Take a moment to think about what you want to say to yourself now for showing up and doing this work today. Now gently return your attention to your breath and just be with yourself. We are very good at knowing what we need, and when we can't shift our thinking, we can shift our language to give ourselves the support, encouragement, and recognition we need. Let's take a final deep breath in and out and bring your hands to your heart. Repeat this after me out loud or in your head. I know what I need to hear. I know what I need to hear. I invite you to softly open your eyes. Use your words with kindness today. You got this....