Our Grass is Pretty Green, too

Saw this the other day and couldn't resist. Why do we do this to ourselves, anyway? I've come to realize, as both a parent and a coach, that our GOTR get-togethers are often times a microcosm of how we interact with ourselves and each other.  Admittedly, it’s not always easy to be our own biggest fan.  It seems there’s always someone out there who’s got better grades, nicer shoes, a fancier car or a better job.  But no one is great – or even good – at everything.  Heck, I’ll bet Einstein couldn’t cook and J. K. Rowling probably can’t hit a curve ball.  And despite their places in history and general awesomely-awesomeness, there were likely many low points along the way.  But had they not been willing to listen to their own inner cheerleader, they’d likely not have reached their potential. 

 

This past week the Girls learned about positive self-talk. Self-talk is generated from that other little voice inside us that tells us what to think or say about ourselves. The Girls know full well what it means to trash-talk themselves.  But it’s harder to verbalize, and maybe a little more embarrassing, than you might think.  But we could all agree we’ve taken some messages to heart when we’ve heard friends, TV, movies or magazines say we don’t measure up.  Believing we’re better than that is also tough to do.  We’re taught early on that no one likes a bragger, so we’re reluctant to call attention to our success and our own personal awesomeness.  In fact, many of us don't know how to properly accept a compliment without countering with a quick, "oh, it was nothing." That’s too bad.  We hear and see so much from the outside trying to convince us otherwise, it doesn’t seem right we should be diluting the antidote to that kind of poison.  I’m not suggesting we turn tail on good sportsmanship for the sake of salvaging our own egos, but rather that we be willing to accept the fact that we’re all good – maybe even great – at something, and that’s worth celebrating.  Even out loud.