We all have a critical, negative voice inside. Inside where?! Your head, heart, gut? You pick! Does it matter? We hear the criticisms and negative comments. We don’t invite them. Most of us absorb what we hear as if it were truth.
When thinking of our negative self talk, think about any friends (?), acquaintances, family in your life that sound like your negative self talk. Many stay with these folks because “it seems like what I should”, “what would they think if I didn’t”, “if I try hard enough, they will change.”
We are not able to make people change by our behavior. We are not able to make people like us or love us. That is within their power, not ours. You are wasting all your good energy. You are giving love and not receiving any in return. You keep hoping. If you are waiting on others, you will never find your “joy”. Letting go/moving on is crucial to allowing you and others to move forward. Go follow your interests!
We can learn behavior just like we learned to read and write. It is a process. Growing a broader base of knowledge is essential. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you trust for help. If they are a person on their own growth path, they will gladly share.
The next step is to teach yourself to talk back to that negative voice. Not an easy task. Recognizing you live with a negative talker is first. Knowing negative comments ARE NOT TRUTH is next. It is a conscious and deliberate action to question and reject this negativity. You talk back either silently in your mind or openly refute the comments. It’s your life! Build it in the confidence that you are valuable.
No one else can do this. Thank goodness! Shape your thoughts and shape your actions! And every day remember to take the time to note your moments of JOY. They happen every day.