Do you have a mean girl living inside your head?
Sometimes the things we say to ourselves can be nasty.
If you’re ready to let go of the chatter and instead encourage yourself as you would a good friend, this post is for you!
Read on for 5 tips I’d suggest if you’re looking to treat yourself more like you would a best friend:
1. "What did I do well today?"
Here’s a powerful question for you ... “What did I do well today?” Yup. Consider and recognize what went right!
2. "What will I do differently tomorrow?”
Then, humbly and gently ask yourself, “What will I do differently tomorrow?” (or, “What will I do differently next time?” if you just had something big come up) Instead of ruminating on what didn’t go as planned (we can’t change the past!), consider how you’ll approach a similar situation in the future. Be proactive and prepared!
3. “I forgive myself for judging myself as...”
This one's a definite favorite. And, it's actually an exercise used in counseling, interestingly enough. Ready? “I forgive myself for judging myself as...” Yes, simple as that. At the end of each day (or as often as you need to throughout the day), record these words in a journal. Don’t just list them once and then write the 20 critical thoughts you’d had, for instance, but list "I forgive myself for judging myself as" and the corresponding thought as many times as you’ve been critical to yourself throughout the day. Do it for 30 days. It’s powerful. And eye opening.
4. Use positive affirmations.
Get yourself some positive affirmations! Bonus points if they’re biblically based. One of my favorites is, “I am fully known and fully loved.” (2 Timothy 2:10) Regularly speaking scripture truth over yourself is a gift. And, our actions are essentially all tied to our beliefs, so what you’re telling yourself (truth or lies) is critical.
5. Bless and release.
“Bless and release.” Sounds kind of funny, but y’all- this is a good one! A sweet friend shared this at bible study and it stuck with me (and for good reason!). Whether it’s something that someone else did that is eating you up or something you did that you keep replaying in your head, bless and release it, friend!! I’m telling you, it really does help!
So there you have it... 5 of my favorite tips to treat yourself more like a best friend.
Let me know how it goes and which tip is your favorite!
Joyfully in Christ,
Alexandra
P.S. Want more on this topic? You may love the GSCC Fruitful Faith: Women on Mission podcast epsiode on How to Break Through Negative Self Talk.
P.P.S. You may also love checking out my guest post on how to say goodbye to negative self talk over on The Rising Tide Society & HoneyBook's blog.