An ‘Inner Voice Manifesto’ for troubled times

My inner voice is a drama queen. 

Just for example, a couple of weeks ago, I had a cold. On the International Killer-Cold Severity Scale (IKCSS), it was a doozy.
 
You know the feeling. My head felt like it was going to explode through my eyeballs. I was almost wishing it would. That was bad enough, but my inner voice was making matters worse.
 
She was trapped in the cesspool and she was not happy. I kept catching her saying, “We’re going to DIE. I am sure of it.”
 
Come on, girl. It’s a cold. At the risk of sounding sexist, it was like she had the dreaded Man Cold. 
 
I’ll temper that stereotype by saying my man is incredibly strong when he’s sick.
 
Why? He prefers to go to work deathly ill and save his sick leave for when he’s sick of working, like when his buddies want to go fishing. He has left for work when I thought I should be calling an ambulance. Any sign of illness or injury induces extreme stubbornness in this one. Doctors and wives become the sworn enemy.
 
OK, enough about him. This is my drama.
 
You know how it ends. I eventually got better. Shocking, I know! “Walla Walla Woman Survives the Common Cold. More details at 11.”
 
What my killer cold did do, besides give Kleenex a stellar first quarter, was get me thinking about how my inner voice is so far from my most rational or best self.
 
I don’t mean to hurt her feelings. She’s fragile enough already, but it’s time to bring her unsoundness into the light and to show her some compassion and tough love.

My Inner Voice Manifesto
 
We’re not technically in therapy together, but I’ve crafted a treatment plan for us to move forward more positively. My inner voice remains unconvinced she needs help, but as the more lucid one, I am taking the lead here.
 
I’ve drafted this five-point inner voice manifesto. While she’ll likely stray and have her say, I am counting on it to steady us in any upcoming storms, like minor illnesses, hurt feelings and bad hair days.
 
If you, like me, struggle with this voice (or voices—I am not judging), I hope you consider writing your own manifesto or you’re welcome to this one.
 
May it bring you peace of mind in times of uncertainty and annoyance.
 
1. We’re OK. All is well and all will be well.
 
2. We have survived many hard things and bad days.
 
3. We can rely on our strengths to get us through.
 
4. We are allowed to be upset. Let’s breathe and find something to be grateful for.
 
5. We are loved. That’s enough. ♥