There is a raging battle in the inches that exit between our ears.

We must do everything possible to take every thought captive. To speak life, truth, goodness and hope to ourselves – replacing the lies and anxiety loops that are all too easy to indulge. I’m talking to myself here. Without question, the way we speak to ourselves matters tremendously!

Our thought-life battle is a sneaky one. It is covert and happens in stealth-like and invisible ways. You could be in a crowded room full of people and unbeknownst to everyone around you, there could be a ferocious inner dialogue fighting to steal your peace and sense of inherent worth.

We’ve got to fight back.

We’ve got to lean into scripture that tells us to think about things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8). We must commit to “take every thought captive” and refuse to let lies take root and become part of our permanent view of ourselves (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

It isn’t easy – it really is a battle. Sometimes you think you are gaining ground and advancing and then a surprise attack brings you to your knees. 

This matters. It matters that you choose to pursue steps toward a healthy inner dialogue because you were made on purpose and for a purpose. You were created to be loved and although life may not always go the way you hoped, your worth and value doesn’t change. As the title of my book emphasizes and declares: You are Worth it and Wonderful!

Like many tough topics in life, it is easier said than done. You may have read each word in this article and agree that you need to be kinder and more generous to yourself – but aren’t sure where to start. 

Turn to Truth

First, consider if you need an accountability partner. Most of us do! When my most vicious inner-dialogue battles are raging I will call up a trusted friend and tell them what I’m wrestling with. At times, hearing it spoken out loud is enough to make the thought no longer a dominating voice within my mind. It also is tremendously important to hear someone else refute the idea and call it out for the lie it is. Lean into your close friends and family members to give you this gift of support and affirmation.

Also make sure you are spending time exploring the truth about who you are. As a person of faith, I turn to the Bible to tell me all about my value. There are numerous references to our value, purpose, and worth throughout the pages of scripture. Not to mention, over and over again there are affirmations about just how deeply we are loved (hello, John 3:16!). Pray over the words you read and ask that these words would become the dominant narrative you hear in your mind.

Truth Tools: Fuzzy Socks and Cozy Hoodies

Lastly, I think it is fun to mix in other practical and tangible solutions. There are little tools that can help keep your mind moving in the right direction. Recently, I met a fun and mission-driven brand called Notes to Self. They sell high-quality socks with affirmations written across the top and along the sole. These are running-quality socks, friends! You know me, always wearing fuzzy and cozy socks  – I was hooked. I love kicking up my feet, sipping coffee, and glancing down at the words, “I am joyful.” 

There are also other comfy brands who help us wrap up in truth. RedLetterDesignCo is another group I’ve connected with that makes adorable blankets and cozy hoodies and all of it incorporates quick phrases of encouragement. I personally love the yellow blanket that declares, “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.”

We can use truth tools to literally wrap ourselves in words that encourage us toward an uplifting inner dialogue.

Will you fight with me? 

Will you put in the work to take back any ground that has been lost in your thought-life battle? Blending both faith-based and practical solutions is my strong suggestion for where to start! 

This matters because we need you to show up and shine in the most brilliant way possible! The last thing we need is anyone (even you) derailing your ability to make an impact. 

What you think matters – significantly! It’s time to take your thought life captive.

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Quick Note: Neither brand mentioned in this article is an ad or sponsored. They are just brands and people I really like, so I decided to tell you about them!