Your #1 Enemy -- How You Talk to Yourself

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / katielittle25

In life, we often think our troubles come from the words or actions of others, but in truth, we can be our own worst enemy by how we talk to ourselves.

Do you beat yourself up for little mistakes? Are you constantly putting yourself down? Thinking you're not good enough? Smart enough? Strong enough? Would you talk to your best friend like that? Likely, not!

This trash talk is killing you. It's dragging you down. It's draining your energy. It's poisoning you with negativity.

Though it won't be easy, cleaning up this trash talk IS simple. The solution is to follow up any negative thought by loving that thought. Sound crazy? Sound backwards? It's not.

Here's how it works. Let's say you get angry and yell at your kids. Now you're mad at yourself for yelling. You calm down, apologize to the kids, and send them off to play. In the minds of your children, the situation is over, but not in your mind. You are feeling guilty and telling yourself you're not a good mother. "Good moms don't yell at their kids." "What is the matter with me?" "I'll never get this right!"

Usually, this toxic cycle goes on and on in our minds for hours or days after a negative event. But now you know better than to allow it.

Once you are aware that you are beating yourself up with negative thoughts, STOP, and say to the thoughts, "I love you. Thank you."

This step is a true miracle in action, because it surrounds a negative thought with love. And that is how we change for the better. Here is a secret: we don't change our imperfections by denying or hating them. We change them by loving them. Try it and notice the peace it brings you.

This is a spiritual practice. Does God try to change you by hating you and sending you negativity? No, he surrounds you with love at all times. But, it's up to you to take it from there and fill yourself up with love.

This is a big topic, and there is so much more to say, but for today, I'll leave you with this small bit to start practicing. Contact me if you need more assistance.