My New Mantra
First, let me just say that I'm not one of those people that goes around saying things like, "this is my new Mantra, blah blah blah." I'm not sure if I've ever used the word Mantra out loud in a sentence either. It makes me feel kind of funny for some reason. But thanks to Xenia Katherine's comment on my last post, I will be saying my new Mantra every time I get into my large, grumpy, beast of a truck. So, my new Mantra is, "I'm bucking the system...I'm hardcore."
It won't be the first time I give myself affirmations while in a vehicle. When I was a preteen, in my gawkiest of all gawky stages (and yes, I know I am still gawky thank you very much) my parents were concerned with my self-esteem. Who feels great about themselves when they're 12, look like the spitting image of Blossom minus the goofy flowered hat, and has to go to school with evil peers every day of the week? But as we all know self-esteem is a buzzword in parenting, so my beloved folks tried to give me some tools to build myself up, and buck up for the day. (They could have just bought me those awesome LA Gears with the 5 sets of sparkling, multi-colored shoe laces I wanted). So my mom made me recite the most embarrassing phrase ever known to adolescence on the way to school each and every morning. I had to say, "I am bright, I am beautiful, and I am going to have a wonderful day today." Needless to say, it never worked, and I went on to successfully hate myself for at least another good six years.
Nevertheless, there could be something to saying a little positive phrase in situations that are less than favorable. I think I'll give it another whirl. Maybe on days I'm feeling particularly envious, I'll just randomly go up to other moms in my grocery store parking lot, and while they leisurely load their groceries into the spacious backs of their SUVs, recite my new Mantra, "I'm bucking the system...I'm hard core," and then fling all my groceries in to the truck bed and drive off with the music blasting.
It won't be the first time I give myself affirmations while in a vehicle. When I was a preteen, in my gawkiest of all gawky stages (and yes, I know I am still gawky thank you very much) my parents were concerned with my self-esteem. Who feels great about themselves when they're 12, look like the spitting image of Blossom minus the goofy flowered hat, and has to go to school with evil peers every day of the week? But as we all know self-esteem is a buzzword in parenting, so my beloved folks tried to give me some tools to build myself up, and buck up for the day. (They could have just bought me those awesome LA Gears with the 5 sets of sparkling, multi-colored shoe laces I wanted). So my mom made me recite the most embarrassing phrase ever known to adolescence on the way to school each and every morning. I had to say, "I am bright, I am beautiful, and I am going to have a wonderful day today." Needless to say, it never worked, and I went on to successfully hate myself for at least another good six years.
Nevertheless, there could be something to saying a little positive phrase in situations that are less than favorable. I think I'll give it another whirl. Maybe on days I'm feeling particularly envious, I'll just randomly go up to other moms in my grocery store parking lot, and while they leisurely load their groceries into the spacious backs of their SUVs, recite my new Mantra, "I'm bucking the system...I'm hard core," and then fling all my groceries in to the truck bed and drive off with the music blasting.
posted by Lauren S. at
1:58 PM
4 Comments:
Sounds like a great idea to me!
Wow! I never thought my advice would inspire a new mantra :) How cool!
Your reflections on self esteem made me laugh, especially the "Blossom minus the floppy hat" bit. I still feel awkward all of the time, and I think that telling myself I'm "bucking the system" is a personal coping mechanism. It works most of the time, too! Blaring appropriate music doesn't hurt, either. Hooo-ah!
:D
You're so funny! My dad had a big brown Chevy full size that he bought before I was born...I remember being embarrassed when he'd drop me off in High School. I think I even drove it for a while once I had my license!
I've gotta remember that mantra :)...been feeling particularly discontent at the moment...hormone, nesting and sin induced, no doubt.
hahaha. I want to go grocery shopping with you.
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