You have every right to treat yourself the same way you treat your good friends – with compassion, support, and attentiveness.
For years, I didn’t treat myself that way – my inner voice would compare, over-analyze, and judge whatever I was doing.
I had developed a habit of overly critical self-talk.
I didn’t realize how my subtle self-talk patterns were the real drivers behind my emotional life. When you habitually think negatively, your feelings follow suit.
That’s why it’s important to train that inner voice to be more realistic, constructive, and flexible.
I started by writing down my thoughts to get them out of my head and witness them. I remember being surprised by how negative and extreme they were at first. I didn’t judge myself for having these thoughts; I got curious.
I treated myself as I would a friend.
All of us have thoughts that aren’t serving us.
The work isn’t necessarily getting rid of negative thoughts, it’s getting good at being aware of them and seeing the results they’re creating in your life.
