I had a bit of a frustrating experience yesterday, but as a result I managed to make some progress in dealing with my tendency to have negative self-talk.
What happened was this: I got ready to go to work last night, and somehow managed to lose my keys just before I was set to go. A frantic search with my mom turned up nothing, leaving us both frustrated and upset, but finally there was nothing I could do but take my spare keys and head out.
That's when the negative self-talk started, but something different happened as well. I was able to meet the challenge of the negative voice on its own terms, and win.
For example when the idea came into my head that "I'm always doing stupid stuff like this." I was able to counter with "Always? When was the last time exactly. Cant even remember, which means its been a long time, which certainly isnt 'Always'."
Eventually, the negative stuff went away, and I felt like I had made a serious step forward, even if it did cost me my keys.
I guess no pain, no gain, huh?
Comments
Dorothy, you made a great
Dorothy, you made a great start. I often think we are our own worse critics. I constantly have to keep boosting myself up if I don't I will get depressed and suicidal. I also suffer from low self esteem which I have to constantly work on. For example, I hate most of what I do like my writing. I don't think I am very good and don't reread my stuff because I will find a lot of faults with it. Keep up the good work and don't take no crap from yourself. lol
We are our own worst critics
Oh, I know what you mean, Lesley. I am certainly my own worst critic, followed by my mother. :P Despite her critical parenting style, I'm the only one (I have four siblings) that turned out with such a low self-esteem, though. Maybe I'm just more sensitive than them. And of course, having gender issues on top of that didn't help. But I'm very familiar with the negative self-talk too. And I try to stop it when I realize I'm doing it but it's hard after so many years.
Dorothy, so it's awesome that you're making good progress on that! Keep it up!
Lisa Danielle
Bailey's Angel
and Team Dorothy supporter
Congratulations
A lot of people spend a lifetime without ever achieving that step. It really is a tricky challenge to meet, most of the time. Anyway, congratulations on that wonderful life step. I am celebrating with you!
Annemarie
A gain out of a loss
You will find those keys where you least expect them to be.
May Your Light Forever Shine
Good for you
I would rather have you talk yourself around than to scold you for continuing being down on yourself.
Makes me feel bad when I do that to people. :)