Self Talk (3-part mixed)

“I can’t do this. I might as well give up. I’m so dumb.”

We’ve all been guilty of talking negatively towards ourselves, and it can be hard not to spiral down into shame when we make mistakes. But the truth is that we all make mistakes ~ it’s part of being human. What matters is how we treat ourselves after the mistake. Do we treat ourselves with the same kindness and grace that we would with people we love? We should. But this, like things, takes practice.

I’ve struggled with perfectionism all my life, and it’s a trait that has been passed on to my two kids. As a mother of adolescents, I have witnessed them succumb to negative self talk many times. It’s difficult to watch them be so hard on themselves.

At school, the choir classroom often becomes a safe place for students to be themselves, exploring art and song and the many emotions music evokes. They should be singing texts that relate to their experiences at that age, and that’s why I decided to compose “Self Talk.” Practicing positive self affirmations is a skill that everyone should practice throughout their lives. This piece gives teachers and students the opportunity to explore these ideas and learn how to improve their self confidence and empathy. This song gives them the gift of singing the words: “I am strong. I can do this.”

~ Jocelyn Hagen, 2023