Changing self talk

Recognizing our self-talk is really a key part of creating change, because as always, awareness is the first step in making a change in our lives.

It’s hard though, when we start recognizing the ‘not so nice’ chatter that goes on in our head. It might sound like this: “I’m not -smart-kind-funny-popular- fill in the blank’ enough. This “not-enough-ness” can plague so many of us. And it can become a belief after repetitively thinking it over and over again. Broken down, a belief is commonly just a thought we keep thinking.

So, let’s take a common negative thought: “I’m not good enough”…

We can’t just think it away. It has to be felt - embodied… We have to acknowledge it’s presence in our psyche. Without awareness and recognition, it can hide out and unconsciously effect us. We might start by saying, “I am aware that I don’t think I’m good enough.”

Next, any ideas where this first originates? Usually is somewhere in childhood. You don’t have to perfectly define it or pin down a moment, just think to yourself, “did anyone say this to me, or make me feel this way?”

Get curious about this thought and how it might impact you.

What thought do you wish you could think instead? How can you take a few moments and recognize your strengths and enough-ness?

It’s helpful to talk about this with a friend, therapist or do some journaling around it. Carve out some time to sit quietly with something warm (blanket, tea, candle) and reflect.

It’s time to begin to explore these limiting beliefs and replace them with new ones that serve you. Reach out to someone for support, as we aren’t meant to grow, heal and evolve alone - we need each other!

Wishing you all the very best, always!