"Let go of who you think you are supposed to be and be who you are.” – Brene Brown
Hello, beauty! This is a topic I really love and enjoy because it’s particularly important to me, “How to Recognize and Challenge Negative Self-Talk” If there is something I’ve learned over the years is that we all have an inner voice that can be our biggest critic. Has it happened to you? That recurrent voice constantly telling us we’re not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough because we haven’t achieved or reached the goals we wanted to, and making us feel frustrated because of that. Trust me! I’ve been there!
We should be aware that negative self-talk can hold us back from living our best lives and embracing Self-acceptance, if we don’t take action to reverse that inner voice, it will grow like a snowball. So, let's work on how to make it stop. Don’t panic! the good news is, we always can say NO MORE! There are many people on the same boat, you're not alone on this fight.
Here there are 5 tips that helped me in my journey to cancel that destructive negative self-talk and embrace my uniqueness. Start applying them as part of a daily routine, we all know that we have to be constant on something to see results, giving up is not an option. Without further do, here we go:
Identify your self-talk patterns: Have you ever taken some time to identify what are the thoughts that run through your mind, especially when you’re feeling stressed or worried? Become aware of negative self-talk, what words are you using to refer to yourself? Do you tend to focus on your flaws or imperfections? In first place, no one is perfect, that should be the biggest reason to realize you are enough the way you are. Write these thoughts down and take note of how often they occur.
Counteract your negative self-talk with evidence: Once you’ve identified your negative self-talk, challenge it with evidence that proves it wrong. Let me explain! For example, if you think you’re not good enough for a promotion at work, remind yourself of the times when you’ve excelled in your job. There are things we tend to over stand so it is alright if something we wanted did not happen. We have to keep on trying and not giving up. There isn’t anyone perfect in the world, so the good news…there are many people in the same position as us.
Use positive affirmations to reprogram your brain: Positive affirmations are statements that affirm your worth and abilities. They can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive and counteract negative self-talk. Write down a list of positive affirmations that resonate with you, and repeat them to yourself throughout the day. Probably the tricky aspect is sometimes we do not truly believe what we are saying. A small piece of advice that worked in my case, stand yourself in front of a mirror, try to imagine that special moment that made your heart vibrate, and repeat your favorite affirmations in a way you believe in them. Some phrases are “I am worthy of love and acceptance,” “I trust in my abilities,” and “I am capable of achieving my goals”. The sky is the limit!
Do not underestimate The Power of Surrounding Yourself with Self-Love Resources. If there is something that helped me to support my journey toward self-love was surrounding myself with resources that promoted positive self-talk and self-care.
I never realized how essential for our well-being are Self-love and self-acceptance. Not an easy task because we tend to feel sorry about ourselves. But, there are tools that can give us a hand so why not taking advantage of them.
Positive Affirmations Wall Art: Hanging up wall art with positive affirmations can be a powerful reminder to love and accept yourself. Every time you look at the art, you can reinforce positive messages like "I am enough," "I am worthy of love and respect," or "I am capable of achieving my goals." Seeing these affirmations regularly can help reprogram your mind to think positively about yourself.
Self-Love Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a self-love journal can help you process and reflect on your journey toward self-acceptance. Use the journal to write down things you appreciate about yourself, moments when you showed yourself compassion or any other positive experiences that contribute to your sense of self-worth.
Practice self-compassion: Have you noticed it’s easier to show kindness or compassion to a friend but we often forget to apply the same kindness and understanding to ourselves? When you’re struggling with negative self-talk, practice self-compassion by reminding yourself that it’s normal to have doubts and fears. Treat yourself with kindness and gentleness, and avoid harsh self-criticism.
Seek others' support: Finally, don’t be afraid to seek support from others when you’re struggling with negative self-talk. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings. They can offer perspective and encouragement, and help you stay accountable to your goals.
Remember, negative self-talk can be a powerful obstacle to self-acceptance, but it’s not unbeatable. You are an incredible human being. You’re Enough! You’re Loved! You’re Worthy! You are Enough, Worthy, and Loved because you were beautifully and wonderfully made. It’s time to embrace your true self!
Try to implement these tips and let me know how it goes!
Blessings and a big hug!
DISCLAIMER
I am not a licensed therapist. I recommend seeking the assistance of a qualified professional if you are experiencing a significant disorder and require treatment. It is crucial to receive the necessary support to achieve the care you deserve.