Often the things we say to ourselves we wouldn't even think of saying to another person. We blame, shame, call names of the meanest sort, nag, belittle and bully ourselves through self-talk.
What if, instead, we were more gentle with ourselves, asked ourselves questions and listened to the responses. What if we treated ourselves as we treat a best friend, someone we love dearly. Here's a Top Ten list of loving things to say to yourself.
1. What do you feel? Asking ourselves what we feel can help put names to, and identify emotions. Listening for the response and being honest with ourselves is like taking our emotional temperature.
2. What do you need? A need is different from a want. Whereas a want states a desire, a need is usually a statement about nurturing. Pay attention to your needs, they're about caring for yourself.
3. Good job Congratulate yourself on a job well done whether it's mowing the lawn, writing a poem or cleaning the bathroom. Give yourself a verbal pat on the back.
4. I apologize Saying "I'm sorry" for all the wrongs we have done ourselves can be the first step in healing.
5. Let's play Lighten up and be playful. Listen to what comes up when you suggest play.
6. Breathe Reminding ourselves to breathe helps relieve tension, gives us that moment we sometimes need to center and ground ourselves.
7. I forgive you Sometimes it's easier to forgive others than to forgive ourselves. Yet, to have closure and to move on, often means we have to forgive ourselves.
8. Let go Releasing worries, resentments, anger, fears loosens the grip of resistance and makes room for growth.
9. Be present Staying present, being aware of the physical, acknowledging the moment, this is when we are truly alive. (In case you missed it, I shared with you the top 10 ways to stay present last month.)
10. I love you We say it to others, why not say it to ourselves. Say it again.
Have you noticed a difference in the way you talk to yourself? Have you made any changes? What have you see happen when you started talking positively to yourself? Come share your thoughts with us!
Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications
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