Self Talk
Self Talk
Could you ever imagine that wisdom might come from pop culture? If you are old enough to be part of the early 90s you might remember Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live who practiced daily affirmations including the oft quoted “I am good enough, I am smart enough and doggone it, people like me!”
Despite the tongue-in-cheek reference there is something quite powerful about positive self-talk. According to CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), repeating daily affirmations in the mirror has been shown to activate the brain’s reward centres and create new neural pathways. So, Stuart Smalley’s daily affirmations were more than just good comedy!
Self-talk
It’s that “audio-tape” we have running in our head. The constant flow of thoughts that can be negative or positive. Self-talk can be based on logic and reason; “I went the extra mile for the customer, and they were thrilled with my efforts, what a great experience!” Unfortunately, self-talk can also be based on misconceptions, a lack of information or preconceived ideas of what may happen, and this often results in negative self-talk; “it’s too hard, I will never be able to do it.”
Because these thoughts are automatic, we may not pay attention to where they come from, or what impact they may have on our health and mental health.
Tune in
Start by tuning in, listen to yourself. What are the messages you tell yourself? Are you engaging in mostly negative or mostly positive self-talk? Do you find yourself blaming others for life’s mishaps? Do you use a lot of “shoulds?” I should have….and then criticize yourself for not doing it? Do you find yourself often using words like never and always? Do you subscribe to Murphy’s Law? How often do you smile and laugh? Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Are you a pessimist or an optimist?
Turn up the positive self-talk
Start reframing the negative self-talk. If a negative thought flows through your mind, consider where it came from. What role was that thought playing? Then, replace the negative message with affirming messages. Remind yourself what is good about you, state things that you are grateful for in your life, etc.
Practice, practice, practice.
Get good at giving yourself positive self-talk.
- Make space in your day, every day for positive self-talk.
- Start the day by saying three things for which you are grateful.
- What kind words can you tell yourself, about yourself?
- Be gentle and encouraging with yourself.
- Remind yourself of something positive someone said about you.
Start Right Now & Try It!
Look in the mirror and say three positive things about yourself. The impact can be huge!