Changing Your Self-Talk
Self-talk is about the messages you give yourself. Many times we do not realize the internal dialogue and thoughts going on inside our heads are negative and self-defeating. With a little practice, YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS and turn the negative, fearful, and self-effacing internal conversation into a positive, affirming, and validating one.
Positive self-talk is not about telling yourself that bad things in your life don’t exist or have not happened. It is telling yourself life can be better and that you have the power to change your thoughts and behaviors. By learning the practice of positive self-talk, it will automatically create positive and healthy changes in your emotions, as well. Monitoring and gaining control of self-talk will provide you with self-awareness. It will allow you the ability to recognize how your thoughts are affecting how you feel and think, and ultimately, how you choose to behave in your everyday situations and with others in your life.
Try this exercise to help you change the messages you give to yourself and others, and ultimately brighten your thoughts and enlighten your relationships...
List 5 Negative Thoughts or Self-Defeating Beliefs that you currently have.
Change each of these to Positive Affirmations. It this is difficult for you to do, simply state the exact opposite of the negative thought or belief.
For example:
- "I can't do this." Affirmation: "I can do it!"
- "I don't deserve to be happy." Affirmation: "I deserve happiness and peace."
Write your affirmations on index cards and keep in your purse, wallet, pocket, and/or bedside. Read them in the morning, evening, and during the day. When possible, say your affirmations out loud.
As you continue to use and repeat this technique, you will begin to notice that the positive moments and days will accumulate. The more you practice, the easier and more natural the process will become.
