In the late 70s, Teddy Pendergrass sang a song titled, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself.” The lyrics went on to explain, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself, because everywhere you go, there you are.”  How true!

You are the one constant in your life.  So, it’s very important for you to be in charge of you.  One of the best ways to be in charge of yourself is to be aware of what you’re thinking, to notice the emotional reaction your thoughts generate and to notice how your emotions show up in your body.  Do they show up as erect posture, a smile on your face and pep in your step, for example?  Or is it slumped shoulders, shallow breathing and a tight jaw?

If you find you’re feeling good, just like you want to feel, keep thinking the thoughts that generated the positive emotions that led to your body reflecting those feelings.

If you don’t like the way you’re feeling, emotionally and physically, think a new thought.  Think a thought that’s more aligned with the way you want to feel.  If you want to feel good, emotions and body, think positive thoughts.  This is where a personal mantra might come in handy.

“I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And doggone it, people like me."  Al Franken’s Saturday Night Live character Stuart Smalley’s mantra was a humorous satire on mantras, but he definitely had it right.  Don’t believe me?  Try saying silently to yourself, “I like me.” Then notice how those three simple words make you feel.

The words we say and the thoughts we carry are all the empowerment we need to turn around our mood, our attitude and our state of mind.  It might take a little training, diligence and conscious effort to remember to call on this powerful tool, but it will be worth it.  Here's a list of inspirational mantras to get you started.

Remember, the only constant in your life is you.  Take good feelings with you wherever you go.