I’m so stupid!

I hate when I do that!

Using negative words reinforces toxic levels to our psyche.

Do you apologize for things that aren’t your fault? Oops, sorry! when standing in line at the grocery store and you’re accidentally bumped from behind with a shopping cart.  Or you pre-apologize before speaking.  I’m sorry, but honestly, this is what I believe. Well, if you believe in something, then why are you apologizing?

A few examples of negative self-talk include:

I look tired.

I’m must be crazy.

You have to try this, it’s to die for!

I could die!

I’m not good at math/art/cooking/growing things/dancing, etc.

I don’t have the brains to understand that.

I’m not worthy.

It’s no big deal.

It doesn’t matter.

Nobody loves me.

I hate that.

They hate me.

I hate myself.

It must be my fault to make him/her mad enough to hit me.

If I was a better husband/wife/friend/partner they wouldn’t treat me like this.

I’m not intuitive.

Good things never happen to me.

I never win anything.

I have bad luck.

My hair/clothes/body/face looks atrocious.

And on and on it goes.  How many of these thoughts are you carrying as your personal truths?

Negative self-dialogue fades your inner light faster than a spray-on tan.  To have a disciplined mind think before you speak.  Take a breath.  Form your thoughts.  What are you about to say?  If it’s an apology where none is needed, or self-deprecating remarks where none are warranted then ask yourself, Why am I doing this? Is it habit?  Or is it bringing you some needed attention to fill an emotional void?

Bad habits can be stopped.  And needy attention can be turned into empowerment by acknowledging all the wonderful attributes that you bring to the table.

Think about how you react to compliments.  A friend tells you: You look great! Do you answer:  No, I don’t. I look fat/ugly/awful.

Thoughts are actions.

Sabotaging with negative self-dialogue is a way of reinforcing a message we think we deserve before others have a chance to say it.  The problem with this thinking is that often people are not thinking negative thoughts about you at all.  So why do it?

When being complimented on your appearance, creativeness or brains respond with a gracious “Thank You.”

How To Change Your Self-Dialogue

For one week, wear an elastic band on your wrist.  Whenever you think, or say a negative thought snap it.

Snap it so it means something.  Granted, I’ve just changed negative self-chatter into self-flagellation, but you get my point.  Perpetuating negative input hurts – it hurts you.

Substitute positive words of encouragement, words of power, and accept the wonders of what others see in you.

Do not allow your power to be diminished by accepting anything less of the highest and the best for yourself.

Reclaiming your light – it’s to die live for.

Tags: bad luck, changing internal dialogue, elastic band, hate, I'm fat, I'm stupid, must be my fault, negative dialogue, saying I'm sorry too much, thoughts are actions, ugly