How to Make Space Pt. 2: Speak Nicely When You Talk to Yourself
When I was a kid, it was always so thrilling to catch people talking to themselves. I remember on road trips, my sisters and I would always spot solitary people in cars who were deep in conversation. Of course, when that happens now, people are talking on their cell phones.
Whether we do it out loud, in the privacy of our cars, or silently, all of us are talking to ourselves. We’re often judging ourselves, parroting the critical voices we’ve heard in our lives. Or we’re worrying about the future, using our past stories to tell us why we won’t measure up. We speak to ourselves harshly, in ways in which we would never speak to others.
Self-talk isn’t harmless. Every time we repeat an incrimination (“you were so stupid to do that!”), a judgment (“you’re so fat!”) or bind ourselves into a fixed story (“you’ll never get a better job because you can’t follow through on anything!”), a few things happen. First of all, we have an emotional response, and the words hurt. We react to these thoughts all day, and that wears us out. It’s fatiguing.
We also limit our sense of possibility. When we get a big idea or an exciting prospect, we rush in to shut it down fast, based on these stories. We never give ourselves the chance to change and flourish, and to disprove these stories. The negative stuff takes up so much space that there’s no room for us to change. We get stuck.
Here is one solution to changing the way you talk to yourself in present tense. Just work on this one and it can change things dramatically.
Skill set vs. character weakness.
I believe that human beings have this incredible ability to cultivate any quality we want to have. Here's an example: a number of years ago, I noticed that my friend, Anne, always, always looked me in the eyes and never interrupted when I talked to her. It felt so amazing to be treated that way, because so few people do it. I decided that I wanted to make people feel the way that Anne made me feel. I deliberately looked people in the eyes and forced myself to wait until people finished speaking before I talked. It was hard, but I changed the habit over time.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment5 Comments
This is a great story, I definitely agree. Words, especially the one's we tell ourselves, are so powerful. A broad perspective, clear mindset and positive thinking in our own heads, can truly impact and improve life!
May 19, 2009 - 5:06pmThis Comment
Thanks, Shana. I agree-I think that we really underestimate the toll that thoughts can take on our wellbeing. The good news is that, while there's a lot of stuff we can't control, we can work with our thoughts. Thanks for the comments.
May 26, 2009 - 2:04pmSo true! We are SO much meaner and harder on ourselves than anyone else is to us. A lot is 'self fulfilling philosophy', that is, if you believe something will happen, then it's a good chance it will. Eg: If you think, "I am going to have a great day today", then you probably will! :)
May 19, 2009 - 6:20pmHi Kellie-
May 26, 2009 - 2:05pmYep, especially women. We say things to ourselves-and about ourselves and our bodies-that we would NEVER say to anyone else. Words and thoughts have an impact. I'm ready for us to ease up on ourselves!
Reminds me of my favorite bumper sticker:
Don't Believe Everything You Think!
:)
May 26, 2009 - 2:59pm