Let’s be honest, we all talk to ourselves.
Maybe not out loud but we do have conversations in our minds. Some of these conversations can be really encouraging, when you tell yourself you did a great job or how excited you are to see someone, but often these conversations do not have such a positive vibe; We second guess ourselves, regret decisions, and are generally disappointed with certain circumstances in our lives.
Words matter. If you heard your friend saying, “Man I really messed up! I can’t believe I did that! I’m so stupid!”, would you say to them, “Totally. I agree! You are an awful human being”...hopefully not!
If you are a good friend, you would say something encouraging like, “It’s okay! We all make mistakes! How can I help?”
It is difficult to extend the same kind of grace onto ourselves as we would to a good friend; yet if we are brave enough to be kind to ourselves, to change the narrative between our ears, and be our own cheerleaders, then we will surely find more positivity in all aspects of our lives.
Catch yourself saying unkind things in your head and immediately (even if it feels awkward and fake in the moment) replace those words with encouragement. It will make a difference over time.
If you cannot be your own best friend, then who will?