The other day, I stopped, listened, and for the first time really
heard— the harsh way I was talking to myself.
Me: “What a dumb thing to do, you!”
Self: “Really stupid. Don’t do that again.”
Me: “Only an idiot like you could do this.”
Self: “A moron. That’s what you are.”
What occurred to me right then was that what I should not do
again was talk to self this way.
Old habits die hard. New habits, such as paying attention to
self-flagellation, take time and resolve to stick and stay. So, the first order
of business was to pay attention and Not. Do. This.
There’s an extra bonus to my new resolve. I find the harsh
observations of others have softened and rounded also.
Kindness is contagious. Start with you.
Words have power. The stories we tell ourselves make a difference. I often feel inadequate due to the migraines--I can't do so many things others take for granted. I have to continually practice gratitude and kindness.
ReplyDeleteGood reminder, Mirka. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm not as nasty to myself as I used to be. My brain chemistry has changed with the appropriate medication and I've been divorced since 2010. When I was married, if I felt good, then my husband was sure to bring me down. I'm grateful I no longer endure that weight on me.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Glad you are deleting the harsh talk. Who among us hasn’t dealt with that negative voice?
ReplyDeleteLong ago, I figured out whose voice I was channeling. Now my task is to say "NO" to it.
ReplyDelete