Self-Talk

A year ago, I was reading a book called ''You Are What You Think'' by Dr. David Stoop. In that book I learned how talking to ourselves is vital medicine for our mental health. There is nothing better than declaring positive affirmations to our hearts, mind, and spirit when everything seems uncertain and we have no hope of being able to live.

Self-talk refers to the inner monologue or dialogue that we have with ourselves, whether it is conscious or unconscious. The way we talk to ourselves can significantly impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Thus, the importance of self-talk cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why self-talk matters:

Self-talk influences our mood and emotions:

''Guard your mind! Watch what you think! Don't allow anything that doesn't measure up to this criteria to enter your mind or find a place to settle. Your experience self-control by controlling your thinking. - Dr David Stoop (You Are What You Think)''

The way we talk to ourselves can either uplift us or bring us down. Positive self-talk involves encouraging and supportive messages that help build confidence, self-esteem, and a positive mindset. Examples of positive self-talk include "I can do this," "I am capable," and "I am strong and resilient."Negative self-talk can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Examples of negative self-talk include "I'm not good enough," "I always mess things up," and "I'm a failure.". It's important to become aware of our self-talk and work on shifting negative self-talk to positive self-talk. This can be done by challenging negative thoughts, replacing them with positive ones, and practicing mindfulness and self-compassion.

Self-talk affects our behavior:

For example, one of the things that Dr. Stoop also mentions in his book is this:-Do you feel angry? Look for the shoulds and shouldn'ts. The key to identifying these demands and changing them into wants and desires. The way we talk to ourselves can shape our actions and decisions. Negative self-talk can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors, while positive self-talk can motivate us to take positive actions.

Self-talk impacts our beliefs and perceptions:

There was something that caught my attention when I was reading this book and it was the following quotation: ''knowledge is never enough either. Lots of people have all kinds of impressive credentials and have accumulated volumes of important knowledge and skills, but they have never really been able to get their lives moving in any direction''. The way we talk to ourselves can shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us. For example, if we approach a difficult task with negative self-talk and a defeatist attitude, we may view the task as insurmountable and be less likely to succeed. Here is another example: if we already believe that we are good at something, using positive self-talk can reinforce that belief and boost our confidence. Conversely, if we already have a negative belief or perception, negative self-talk can reinforce it and make it harder to overcome. Negative self-talk can lead to limiting beliefs and negative perceptions, while positive self-talk can help us develop a more positive outlook. However, if we use positive self-talk and focus on our strengths and abilities, we may perceive the task as manageable and be more likely to achieve it.

Self-talk can help us manage stress and adversity:

Self-talk can be a powerful tool for managing stress and adversity. Positive self-talk really can help us cope with difficult situations and manage stress. It can help us reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and development. By using positive, reframing, rational, and encouraging self-talk, we can reduce negative emotions, increase resilience, and improve our overall well-being. When we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it is easy to let our emotions take over. Rationalizing involves looking at a situation objectively and finding logical solutions or explanations. By using rational self-talk, we can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and make better decisions.

Therefore, ''You are what you think''. Self-talk is a powerful tool that can impact our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, beliefs, and perceptions. By practicing positive self-talk, we can improve our mental health, increase our confidence, and achieve our goals. Be wise and love yourself more than before, because you're worth it.

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-ANGIE