I recently blogged about the importance of a balance within our children between their own self-esteem and their empathy towards others.

Something struck a nerve within me. How can we be positive examples to our children without having a sense of strength and compassion within ourselves? As parents we always want to be that pillar of strength so important to our children’s security.

I am suggesting the following six mantras. I ask that you find the one or two best suited for you and take the one-week mantra challenge. See where you land at the end of it. I say land, because this is a journey, a journey towards understanding yourself. Happy travels!

1)   I am confident

2)   I can show love

3)   I am a good listener

4)   I can show gratitude

5)   I am brave

6)   I can trust

Find your mantra. Say it upon awakening. Say it again at lunch. Then again before retiring. These gentle reminders can help us transform our way of thinking about ourselves. Again, try this for a week and see if you notice anything different in your life. If you'd like to create a mantra of your own, please do so, but by all means do not let your mantra be defined by what you do NOT want to do or be, such as “I am NOT a bad person.” Your mantra must be positive and forward thinking.

I encourage you to join me and to share your experience.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson