How Saying “I Am” Can Change Your Life
What you say about yourself matters.
Hi there!
I am a writer.
Saying those words terrified me. It took decades for me to get there. I always told people I wanted to be a writer, or I was an aspiring writer. I never said, “I am a writer.” It never felt like I had the right.
Then one day I stumbled upon an online story where the author was discussing what it meant to be a writer. He wrapped it all up in a nice nutshell:
“What is a writer? Someone who writes. If you write, you are a writer.”
The proverbial lightbulb came on.
“Take care what words you speak that follow ‘I am.’ In so speaking you create your life.”
- Alan Cohen
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack). The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
Changing How I Saw Myself
From that day forward, I started using the word to describe myself. The tiny shift changed my mindset. Suddenly, talking about writing became easier. Writing became easier.
“I am a writer,” I told people, and the world didn’t stop spinning. No writer police came running forward to slap me with a fine for misusing the word. No one accused me of being a liar.
Now, I proudly wear my titles: both writer and author. Like everything else, being a writer doesn’t define me, but it’s a substantial part of who I am. I feel honored to hold the designation.
Choosing Your Labels
The words you say about yourself have power. It’s especially true if you have a mental illness like bipolar disorder. If you use phrases like, “I’m crazy,” or “I’m a mess,” the words will come true. Words matter, even the ones you say to yourself.
Instead, try saying what you want to be. Here are a few suggestions.
I am doing my best.
I am a loving father, mother, brother, sister, or friend.
I am a valuable work-in-progress
By making these tiny shifts in what you say, you’ll change how you feel. Try it, and you’ll see I’m right.
My writing life changed when I started saying, “I am a writer.” I knew my place in the world, and that helped me grow in my new home.
Even though I still felt unworthy of it in the early days, I kept saying it until it felt true. Now, I rarely hesitate to tell people.
The things you say that follow “I am” can change your life. Decide who you want to be and change the script. Then, start telling everyone who you really are.
Journal Prompt: What are some positive things you could say about yourself if you started using ‘I am’? How would your life change if you started believing in yourself?
Creative Writing Prompt: Every time your character says, “I am,” their words come true. How do they use their power? Write a story about a day in their life. (Bonus if you make yourself the main character.)
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
Additional Reading:
The book that started it all…
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Wow !!Thank you an insightful piece .