To the voices that say “It’s crazy to call yourself a success.”

I say: “There seems to be a crazy here, but it’s not me.”

To the voices that say “you are not worth it.”

I say: “I disagree, but I know how you feel.”

To the voices that say “you are fat.”

I say: “I have substance, and I know how to use it.”

To the voices that say “You have an accent.”

I say: “Yes, and it’s elegant.”

To the voices that say “You are just fishing for compliments.”

I say: “I can see how you would see it that way.”

To the voices that say “I wish you would die.”

I say: “Oh dear! It must be hard to feel so envious.”

To the voices that say “There is nothing special about you.”

I say: “I’m sorry you are short of sight.”

To the voices that say “You will die one day! You know?”

I say: “I’ve died so many times, I’m sure I’ll be alright.”

To the voices that say “You are not smart enough.”

I say: “Oh… but I am wise! Well beyond my ears.”

To the voices that say “Your stomach is too big.”

I say: “Yes, because I am a beautifully well-rounded, woman.”

To the voices that say “You are getting older and you ain’t pretty.”

I say: “There is beauty in giving life in new ways: in writing form-in dancing form-in painting form-in speaking word-in yoga pose, in any form!”

To the voices that say “You are not a prodigy and never will be.”

I say: “Meh.”

To the voices that say “It’s not good.”

I say: “It is.”

To the voices that say “You are not allowed, authorized, permitted.”

I say: “Oops! I lost that memo.”

To the voices that say “It has been done.”

I say: “It has not been done with my special touch yet.”

To the voices that say “You have no proof.”

I say: “I don’t need proof for what works for me.”

To the voices that say “There is no god.”

I say: “Maybe.”

To the voices that say “You should shut up.”

I say: “Oh man, you are in for it.”

To the voices that say “Yes you can.” I say: “Thank you!” @ClaudiaYoga (Click to Tweet!)

To the voices that say “You can trust your voice.” I say: “Ahhh, of’course…Duh!”

To the voices that say “Keep going, keep trying, keep at it.” I say: “I will! I am! I know!”

To the voices that say “There is talent here.” I say: “Yes! You are right.”

To the voices that say “You are strong” I say: “Thank you James.”

To the voice that says: “Don’t publish this, I don’t know if you are really the embodiment of this,” I say: “Publish.”

Claudia Azula Altucher is a teacher of all branches of yoga. She is the Co-Author of “The Power Of No. ” You can find her on Twitter.