NOTES FROM THE AWARENESS: 1210

Hear what you say.

We all engage in self-talk. Whether aloud or in our heads, we likely have a continuous self-narrative regarding who, what, and how we are.

Sometimes it is helpful. “I can always try again.” “I put in my best effort.” “I look good in this outfit.” “What a great idea.” “Good job.” “Isn’t this wonderful!”

Other times our self-talk is negative and less than useful. “I’m so fat.” “I messed up again.” “Why can’t I ever do anything right?” “No one really likes me.” “I’ll never really be happy.” “I’m not good at making friends.” “My luck is usually bad.”

Although it may not be our intention to do so, we often critique ourselves negatively both out loud to others or silently in our heads. The derogatory thoughts just come, and we listen to them and often express them. “I’ve never been good at math.” “What a klutz!” “No one loves me.”

The more our self-talk is uplifting, the easier and happier our lives will be. We tend to either live up or down to our judgments of ourselves. The more our self-talk is uplifting, the easier and happier our lives will be.

We can shift into a more positive mode, but first need to be aware of our prevailing thoughts about ourselves. That means paying attention to what we say, either aloud or silently to ourselves.

When we allow a derogatory thought to reach our awareness, we can quickly recover by inserting a positive version of the self-statement into our thoughts and speech. “I’m a lousy cook” becomes “I’m a much improved cook.”

Today’s message invites me to pay attention to my self-talk. It reveals my underlying beliefs about myself and my worth. It influences my health, my capabilities, and my opportunities. The more positive my self-narrative, the more satisfying my life.

Please reflect and share. What is your self-narrative usually like?