5 Tips for Creating a Positive Dialogue with Yourself
Turn the conversation in your head into your personal cheerleader!
We do it every day, all day long.
Self-talk — that private conversation we have with ourselves is going on in our heads around the clock. And occasionally, when our inner voice is determined to be heard, we actually say what we’re thinking — out loud.
Sometimes, our internal chat takes on the form of a review of communication we’ve had with others. We tend to critique our verbal interactions after the fact, processing and reviewing what we said compared to what we were thinking — often berating ourselves for not saying what was really on our mind at the time, for example:
“No, sorry, I’m not available. You’ll need to find someone else.” That’s what I should have said instead of agreeing to join the fundraiser. I have to stop being such a pushover . . .
“The next time she’s late, I’m going to remind her it’s becoming a habit. It’s really creating a problem.” I need to speak up and let her know her behavior is disappointing and continually affects our plans.
The silent conversations in our minds are an inherent part of the way we communicate, helping us better understand our life and those we share it with. At times, it’s a kind of guiding voice, attempting to translate the not-so-obvious and often subtle differences between the world as it exists, and the way we personally perceive it.
Which is why it’s important to consider the message we’re telling ourselves, and determine the underlying lessons being offered that we can take to heart.