Escaping from Negative Self Talk

1. November 2008 by Patricia.

Have you ever said these words to yourself?  “You shouldn’t have eaten that!”

Okay! It may not have been exactly those words – maybe something similar, like “you look fat,” or perhaps “you’ll never be able to do it,” or even more disheartening “you idiot”. Are we our worst critic with this negative self-talk? Does it pave the way to a new, rewarding future? No, it doesn’t! Does it lead us toward an appreciation of our Self – No, it won’t! Internal negative statements make us feel bad – period! The question is… How to change those negative statements into positive self-talk?

Here is a great way to shift out of that negative pattern. Find a picture of yourself when you were a baby or toddler. Are you cute or what? Take that picture with you wherever you go. When you hear your internal critic, pull out the picture. Would you use such harsh words to this sweet child? I’m going to guess not! Does this precious child still live within you? How does she feel after any criticism?

On the wall in my office I have a set of four of my cutest baby pictures, plus one of Bob when he was just a little guy. If I forget to treat myself gently, these pictures are a great reminder of who I am really talking to. Try this and see if it works for you! 

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