Strategies for Abandoning Negativity and Showing Yourself Kindness
In the pursuit of mental wellness, positive self-talk emerges as a powerful tool. Just like learning to play an instrument or mastering yoga, positive self-talk becomes second nature with practice.
A daily mantra can serve as a beacon of positivity, repeated every morning, evening, or in times of stress or sadness. This mantra can be a simple affirmation, such as "I am capable" or "I am worthy", providing a much-needed boost to one's self-esteem.
In the face of intrusive negative thoughts, positive self-talk can offer a counterbalance. For instance, instead of dwelling on thoughts like "My partner is probably too busy to talk right now. It's great that they know their boundaries. They'll respond when they can!", we can choose to focus on the positive, such as "My partner values our time together and will get back to me when they can."
One practical method to reinforce positive self-talk is by using sticky notes. For 30 days, write a positive thing about oneself and place it somewhere visible, serving as a daily reminder of self-worth.
Journaling can also be a more engaging way to practice positive self-talk. By writing down new, positive framings for negative feelings, we can begin to rewire our thought patterns.
Guided meditations can help in the beginning stages of practicing positive self-talk, providing a structured environment to focus on positive affirmations.
The ultimate goal of positive self-talk is to teach the brain and neural pathways to handle negative thoughts better for the long term. This is a journey, requiring repetition and reinforcement, much like training for a marathon.
It's important to note that while professional help can be a valuable resource, it isn't the only solution. Seeking support from friends, family, or online communities can provide personal accountability and additional support. Leaning on a therapist could be a next step for dealing with deeper issues, and it doesn't imply incapability of managing things independently.
Reina Sultan, a Lebanese-American Muslim woman, works on gender and conflict issues and her work can be found in various publications. While there is no clear indication that she is associated with positive self-talk, her work undoubtedly contributes to promoting mental health and well-being.
Lastly, questioning negative thoughts can help interrogate their validity and lead to positive affirmations. By challenging our negative thought patterns, we open the door to a more positive and fulfilling life.
