The other lasting thing that this book gave me was a note about finding your own mind harbor.
I’ve started being vigilant about watching my thoughts all day, and monitoring them. I repeat this vow about 700 times a day: ‘I will not harbor unhealthy thoughts anymore.’…The first time I heard myself say this, my inner eat perked up at the word ‘harbor’, which is a noun as well as a verb. A harbor, of course, is a place of refuge, a part of entry. I pictured the harbor of my mind…This island has been through some wars, it is true, but it is not committed to peace, under a new leader (me) who has instituted new policies to protect the place. (Gilbert 178)
This reminded me a) that we have to be our own advocate, to treat ourselves like we would want our loved ones to be treated, to treat ourselves like we treat the most precious thing we have and b) that cultivating positivity is a process we must undergo.
The book goes on to write, what I have to hang up and make my mantra to those inner demons whispering in my ear:
You may not come here anymore with your hard and abusive thoughts, with your plague ships of thoughts, with your slave ships of thoughts, with your warships of thoughts-all these will be turned away. Likewise, any thoughts that are filled with angry or starving exiles, with malcontents and pamphleteers, mutineers and violent assassins, desperate prostitutes, pimps and seditious stowaways-you may not come here anymore, either. Cannibalistic thoughts, for obvious reasons, will no longer be received. Even missionaries will be screened carefully, for sincerity. This is a peaceful harbor, the entryway to a fine and proud island that is only now beginning to cultivate tranquility. If you can abide by these new laws, my dear thoughts, then you are welcome in my mind-otherwise, I shall turn you all back towards the sea from whence you came. That is my mission, and it will never end. (Gilbert 179)
Boy that was a long quote. But it resonated with me and I want to frame it, to read before I leave the house, and start my day, to remind myself to be my best advocate.
On another note, the book asks Liz what her word is, what word describes her. So I shall ask you as well, what one word describes you? As for me, I have no clue.
Wow! This post is fantastic…you have captured a significant, powerful part of the book, and now have a great way of looking at this…I am so glad it resonated with you…thinking and remembering this will transform your days, and bring welcome peace…well done!!! I will think of this also, and appreciate the compass you are offering (tried to find a sea reference!) Love you!