When I say "be good to yourself" what do you think of? Most people think of exercise, eating right...maybe even special pampering like a massage or pedicure... But I'm not a health expert, and although these things are extremely important, I want to talk about something most people don't think about...your self talk. Let's start small...imagine you put down your cup of coffee on the counter a little too close to the edge and it falls to the floor, shattering the cup and spilling hot coffee all over you. I'm sure your physical reaction would be to jump back, maybe vocalize a few choice words and probably grab something to clean yourself up with. Your physical reaction is instinctive...take yourself out of the way and clean yourself up. But what about the words in your head? Do you call yourself names like stupid or idiot? Most people would say yes...and to most people, that's a natural reaction, one you can't control...but how about afterwards? I believe that negative self talk is a habit, and habits can be broken. Now let's say someone else near to you did the same thing and you were splashed with the coffee and pieces of the cup...what would you say? Would you say "that's okay, don't worry about it"? Well why would you be kinder to someone else than you are to yourself? You are the most important person in your life, and yet most of us are harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else.
Your thoughts control your attitude. Practice control over your thoughts. Form new habits. Start small...when you find yourself talking negatively about yourself...find something good to say. It won't happen over night, but eventually, you'll find your attitude improve...which will lead to a more positive outlook. When people complement you, learn to say "thank you". Complement your self...when you do something you wish you didn't, give yourself a pass...say "that's okay, I'll do better next time". Practice makes perfect...be good to yourself...not all habits are bad ones!
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