When was the last time you called yourself terrible at something out loud?

Yesterday? This morning? Two seconds ago when you missed a turn?

Yeah. Same.

Let’s talk about the words you choose to describe you.

The Text That Stopped Me

I went skiing with two of my deep humans last week. A couple. He’s an old friend. She’s a new friend.

He filmed us coming down Road to Provo. That black run that opens up Gad Valley. Big, beautiful, a little spicy.

I was making railroad turns. Smooth. Consistent speed. Locked in.

She was managing her speed with Z-shape turns. A little pizza here and there. Doing exactly what she can do to feel safe and have fun.

Then her text came in about the video he sent to our group chat.

“Terrible form vs professional form.”

She meant me as professional. Herself as terrible.

I read it and immediately said cancel, cancel inside my head.

Words Are Spells

The Universe is listening to every single thing you say about yourself. Every word is a request. It’s up to you to choose the higher word. The higher word leads to the higher reaction. The higher reaction leads to the higher self-image. Because the version of you that you speak into existence is the version that shows up.

How you describe your experience becomes your experience. So when you call your skiing terrible, you’re not describing reality. You’re casting a spell.

And girlfriend, please cast a better one.

You Are Not Terrible. You Are In Progress.

Listen.

Mikaela Shiffrin works on her form. Lindsey Vonn works on her form. I work on my form. Your favorite ski instructor works on their form.

Nobody came out of the womb in ski boots. We are all works in progress. Every single one of us. Forever.

That’s not the bad news. That’s the good news. The work is the entire point.

What I Actually Saw On That Mountain

When I watched the video back, I didn’t see terrible.

I saw two beings enjoying what Mother Earth gave them that day.

I saw a woman saying yes to a challenge. Trusting herself. Picking her own line. Finding her own rhythm down a black run.

I saw a friendship deepening on snow. A new connection forming somewhere between the bowl and the bottom.

That’s not terrible. That’s holy.

Inside Voice Kind. Outside Voice Kinder, Please.

This is the rule I live by.

The voice in your head should be kinder than your sweetest friend. The voice that comes out of your mouth should be kinder still.

Not because we’re being precious. Because words create. Especially the ones you use about yourself.

Try it. Catch yourself mid-sentence the next time you’re about to say something cruel about you. Say cancel, cancel. Then try again with kinder words.

Watch what happens to your skiing. Watch what happens to your life.

Your Turn

Here’s your homework, friend.

For the next seven days, catch every “I’m terrible at this” before it leaves your mouth. Cancel it. Replace it with “I’m working on this” or “I’m learning” or my personal favorite — “I’m becoming.” “I’m committed to get better”

Then come back and tell me what shifted.

DM me your cancel, cancel moments on @SkierTV. Tag a friend who needs this reminder. Save this post for the next time you catch yourself talking trash about you.

You’re not terrible. You never were.

You’re in progress. And that’s the whole holy point.

Come to the fun side.

— Ceylan
@SkierTV