A few weeks ago I suggested asking for a pep talk. Sometimes the person who needs to give you a pep talk is you. I find that talking to myself, particularly when I'm feeling stressed, helps me keep things in perspective and helps me focus on what's most important.
There are two different ways I talk to myself. (Well, three, if you count the times I yell at or criticize myself - but I'm doing that less and less and encourage you to stop doing that too!)
First, there are the ways I talk to myself to keep myself on track or deal with stressful situations. Sometimes I talk in first person; sometimes in second. I usually say these things out loud, sometimes in a whisper to myself; other times, I say them loud enough so others can hear.
I've got this.
Keep breathing.
I'm doing one thing at a time.
Right now I'm focused on...
You can do this.
It will be okay.
Second, there are affirmations. Affirmations are defined as short, powerful, yet simple statements designed to manifest a specific goal. I like the information and list of affirmations here. I could do a better job in this area, and the Dailygreatness Journal I've been using this year has helped. Each morning I fill out four "I AM" statements, and I write the way I want to be, not the way I'm feeling at the moment. Here are two recent entries: "I am patient. I am kind. I am loving. I am present." "I am peaceful. I am focused. I am loving. I am calm."
Another affirmation we talked about in the recent Happy Hour program I hosted is "I choose happiness." It's a great reminder throughout stressful situations and the daily challenges of life that I always have a choice.
And I learned from a coach to say, "I do complete work" and "I have a lot on my plate and I'm handling it." Those have been helpful to me for years.
It's time for me to take affirmations to the next level. Here are a few I read on the list I referenced earlier that I might start repeating.
I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.
Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.
I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.
Do you talk to yourself? It can be a powerful strategy. Choose your words carefully!
Comments