Words Matter

Picture of books on a shelf

I was reminded of that this week by both my therapist and James.

The words I have been choosing to describe my current season of life matter. On Monday, I told my therapist how at any point in time I feel like I am failing at something, the amount of things I am presently juggling make it impossible to be successful at all of them- taking care of myself, taking care of Jackie, taking care of Mom, being a supportive wife to James, taking care of Senator/Violet/Sammy/Ginger and the fish. My therapist circled back to point out that I had called myself a failure.

Last night on a walk with James, I again mentioned that I don’t think I am doing a very good job of caring for Mom and that I am failing to get all her meds in her at the prescribed time each day. He paused and noted that I had said I was a failure and that I wasn’t successful.

First, even post-stroke, I am still way too hard on myself (as I imagine a lot of us are). I am trying to be a great Mom, wife, daughter, and pet owner all the time, which is completely impossible.

Second, as James also pointed out last night, this care for all these people/pets doesn’t have to be perfect. I am doing a good job, and I need to be more graceful with myself.

So, even after everything I’ve learned and studied and read over the last 2 years, I still have room to learn and to grow.

This week is going to be a greater focus on my voice and the way I talk to or about myself.

In light of this, I (gasp!) used Copilot to help me draft new morning and evening mojos (Jackie suggested mojos instead of intentions and I just had to go with it!).

Morning Mojo

(For opening the day with intention, agency, and growth)

I am grateful to be here, now.

This day is a gift, and I receive it with openness.

I choose presence over pressure.

I meet this day with focus, curiosity, and steady energy.

My intention today is to grow.

To learn something new.

To stretch beyond comfort with courage and kindness.

My intention today is to live aligned.

With my values.

With my truth.

With what matters most.

I am becoming more myself every day.

I trust who I am becoming.

I welcome new opportunities, connections, and possibilities.

I am worthy of love, joy, and meaningful work.

I give generously—without abandoning myself.

Calm lives in me.

Balance supports me.

Ease is available to me.

Stillness grounds me.

Peace walks with me.

Today, I honor this precious human life by living it fully—with intention, compassion, and a little courage.

And today, I make space for play, laughter, and love—especially with Jackie.

Evening Mojo

(For closing the day with integration, gratitude, and grace)

I am grateful for today, exactly as it was.

For what I accomplished,

for what I learned,

and for what I released.

I honor my effort, not just outcomes.

I did enough.

I am enough.

I allow myself grace.

For the moments I shined

and the moments I softened.

I release what no longer needs to be carried into tomorrow.

My body rests.

My mind quiets.

My heart settles.

As I sleep, I restore.

I welcome deep rest, gentle healing, and renewed energy.

May I wake tomorrow clear, grounded, and ready to grow again.

May all beings everywhere be happy and free,

and may my life—through small, imperfect acts—

contribute to that happiness and freedom.

Thank you.

What is a growth opportunity you are focused on at the moment?