OUR LIVES ARE ONLY CONFINED BY THE WALLS BUILT FROM OUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.
Self-talk-the thoughts we use to frame our lives. If we are always sending our subconscious mind negative messages we then begin to develop automatic thoughts that create automatic negative emotional reactions.
I recently had to walk the talk as they say and practice what I preach; positive self-talk. Yes, while I know the value of positive self-talk I often have to work at it just as hard as everyone else. Positive self-talk gets easier and more automatic with use but it is something we will all have to practice for the rest of our lives if we want to lead a happy, successful life.
Many years ago I was diagnosed with a melanoma which is skin cancer. I was very fortunate that it was caught early, however, the fear of that diagnosis has been very difficult to shake after all these years and this feeling of fear often rears its ugly head when I find a mole I feel may be changing. So that is exactly what happened on my vacation this month, I found a mole that I thought was changing and I immediately had that reaction of pins and needles, tons of negative thoughts, stomach churning, anxiety ridden reactions. Yikes, this cannot be happening, I’m on vacation. Enter the positive self-talk…..you always wear sunscreen, you have yearly check-ups, if it is cancer you will have caught it early, you can do nothing about it now so enjoy the moment, you have a fantastic skin doctor. Sure enough, I was able to talk myself out of the fear and I didn’t waste my precious vacation time with negative thoughts about the past or the future and I am happy to say that when I returned from vacation and had the mole checked it was fine. Yes, get those moles checked regularly or if you notice any change at all in them and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Did you know…..Research is showing us that negative self-talk can affect us in some pretty damaging ways. Studies are linking negative self-talk with high levels of stress and low levels of self-esteem. This in turn can lead to decreased motivation and feelings of helplessness which in turn leads to depression. Not a pretty picture, however, this can be turned around with positive self-talk which is a great predictor of success.
Now whether your negative self-talk is fear of a medical appointment, fear of trying something new, fear of setting a goal, or even the fear that you are not good enough, all of those horrid thoughts and nasty body reactions can be turned around with a little positive self-talk. ‘How do I do that?’ you ask.
SELF-TALK TIPS
*Identify your negative self-talk traps…body image, intellect, past experience….
*Find the humor…say that negative thought aloud and you may just hear how crazy it is.
*Check in with your thoughts…break the cycle of negative thoughts by taking a moment to STOP and
listen to yourself, really listen. Or wear a rubber band on your wrist and give it a tug every time you
catch yourself having a negative thought.
*Surround yourself with positive peeps…support is crucial in your journey.
*Create positive affirmations…be prepared to replace those negative thoughts with a positive
affirmation. ‘I am doing the best I can.’ ‘This too will pass, like a kidney stone but it will pass.’ (Love
that one, funny but often true. Hang in there, time passes.)
*Don’t say anything to yourself you wouldn’t say to someone you love.
*Give yourself a break, be gentle and encouraging…change takes time.
*Remind yourself that thoughts and feelings are not always true…challenge your negative thoughts
because they are often an exaggeration.
*Be relentless with your positive self-talk… it is what changes your self-image, self-esteem,
self-development, self-love and your happy ever after.
OUR LIVES ARE ONLY CONFINED BY THE WALLS BUILT FROM OUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. Never forget this, say it, write it, post it, and repeat it.
Cheers to your positive thoughts and self-love. You’ve got this.
Remember…
Always Believe, You are Amazing,
Tammie
FYI…As you may know, I have a passion and commitment for helping youth, this passion has led me to writing my latest book, Let’s Talk Self-Talk. This is a journal for youth that uses the power of affirmations to inspire positive self-talk. If you know of a youth who could use a bit of inspiration shoot me an email and I can get that sent to you. For other inspiration check out my books and affirmation card decks here on my web page. Knowledge is power, positive-self talk is power. Let’s talk.