Are you hearing voices?

I have to admit that sometimes I do hear voices.  In my last blog, I talked about the "shallow voices" in our lives and how important it is to tune those out and listen to the positive, honest voices instead.  This lead me to think about the voice that we hear every day and how important it is.

That voice is important for a couple of reasons.  The first reason being that it is our own voice.  The second is because it is something we can control!  There are so many things in our lives that are beyond our control, but this is not.

For 40 weeks out of the year, my husband and I train people to go from walking one mile to finishing a marathon (26.2 miles) with Marathon Makeover.  We talk a lot about this little voice.  By the way, why on earth do we call this a "little" voice?  It is a big voice and it is a powerful voice.  I think it is because many times it comes as a whisper and we barely even notice it.  It whispers, "you can't do that", or "what are you thinking???"  It deposits doubt and insecurity into our minds.  I wonder why that is?  Well, I have my ideas, but I'll have to save them for another time.

The point of this blog is to ponder this voice and what yours is saying to you.  I have heard mine this week, so I know what mine has been saying - or trying to say.  Mine has said, "You're tired, just stay in bed."  Or at other times it has said, "If you feel this lousy on a short run, how are you going to do 13.1 on Saturday?".  I could go on and on and tell you some other things my voice has said, but I think you get the picture.

When I start hearing this voice, there's only one thing to do - shut it up!  I remind myself that I AM ready for this 1/2 marathon.  I've done it lots of times before, and I'll do it again.  It's not important to beat my last time because finishing is winning.  I have raised over $700 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  This will be the first time I run a race and have my own cheering team!  I have a lot to look forward to Saturday and everyday.

Has your inner voice turned negative?  Well, you are in control of that voice so change it!