What Does Your Self-Talk Say?

We weren’t made to shrink. We were made to reflect His light.

If someone could hear your inner voice, what would they hear?Would they hear a critic, always pointing out what you did wrong?A coward, doubting your every move and fearing what’s ahead? Or would they hear a coach, cheering you on, reminding you of who you are and who you’re becoming?

Recently, I noticed that my inner voice sounds like a coach and wasn't afraid to show it. I was at an early morning gym class and caught myself saying audibly, "Come on, Hetti! You can do it!" as I was lifting weights and doing what is called a "clean & press". It caught me off guard and I liked it. I liked that I was encouraging myself to push a little harder. Did I like the fluffiness I saw in the mirror? Not particularly. But I wasn't going to be unkind to myself, and to the body that wasn't perfect but was at least trying. I’m learning that if I want to walk in purpose, I need to an inner voice to coach me, not criticize me.

The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). That truth should be reflected in the way we speak to ourselves. If God calls us chosen, loved, gifted, and created with intention, then our words, especially the ones we speak to ourselves (or about ourselves to others) should echo that truth. What we say about ourselves matters a lot. Your self-talk becomes the soundtrack of your life. It plays in your mind when you’re trying something new, when you mess up, when you’re unsure if you belong in the room.

In Get Serious and Other Principles to Pull You Through, there's a chapter called “It’s OK to Be Extra” that speaks directly to this. It encourages us to discover the gift God has placed within us and share it boldly with the world. We weren’t made to shrink. We were made to reflect His light. That means being careful about what we speak over ourselves. It means being intentional with our thoughts. If your inner dialogue is filled with negativity, fear, or comparison, it’s time to replace those words with God's Word.

You are more than enough because God is. You are not behind, delayed or forgotten. You’re being prepared for something great. And let’s not forget: how we care for ourselves matters too. We are vessels, carriers of God’s light and love. If we neglect our mind, body, and spirit, how will we carry out the mission He’s assigned to us?

As I get older, I want to have the stamina to do all the things my young heart still aspires to accomplish. Be kind to yourself and recognize that you can’t fulfill your calling with a depleted soul and a defeated mindset.

Nugget of Truth:

Speak God’s words over your life. Be yourself, and take care of yourself. There’s only one you, and you are you-nique (see what I did there?:). Let your self-talk reflect the truth of who you are. God's chosen, called, capable, and beloved masterpiece!