What do you say to yourself when no one is
around? Thoughts have a powerful and influential effect on mood. Self talk is
one form of thought that will influence your perception of successes and
failures in life.
Our self talk is usually formed by indirect or direct messages received from
authority figures in our childhood. For example, a parent who never allowed you
to feel accomplished is indirectly telling you that you are not good enough. As
a result, you may carry around the ‘I will be worthwhile if (fill in the blank)
__________’ lie. Perpetuating these negative messages helps to confirm that you
are presently not “ok” and reinforce isolative patterns.
Despite negative self talk, God has already justified and made you worthy
in His sight. This is a concept that is easy to intellectually understand, but
truly accepting that you are holy and blameless takes practice. One way to
begin eliminating negative self talk is to place you significance in Him
instead of outside messages or inside self talk.
It is ok to be alone, but in your alone time recognize that you are not your
past and don't get caught up in self defeating lies.
Rachel Rowitt | Grace Counseling, Inc.