Self-talk: Perhaps, it’s time for some change
I have always known that the words we use have a huge impact on people and also in shaping our destinies and our identities.
Our identities are driving factors for our behaviours.
Despite this, being a perfectly imperfect human, so to speak, there are times that I forget how absolutely important my own self-talk is in the shaping of my life.
Words shape and define our lives, most importantly the words that we use when talking to ourselves. Often our ancient scriptures talk about the fundamental importance of the word.
Our legends, mythology, parables, our fables and fairy tales, our literature over the centuries reflects this.
Scientists and researchers have been studying the human brain, it’s marvelous intricacies and functioning, neural pathways, the pre-frontal cortex, the amygdala, hypothalamus, pituary, hippocampus, the pineal gland etc. etc. often reaching a conclusion that the words we utilise on a daily basis are connected to the thought-imagery our brain utilises and as such, do have a huge impact on how we show up and live our lives.
Have you ever taken notice of the words you use? If not, it’s time to start right away.
Today, try and be aware, intentional and attentive as to how you speak. If you like, you can ask your family, friends or your colleagues to notice and revert back the words and phrases that you use most often. You could even try to record yourself during the day and listen to the tape recording.
Then, try and identify the feelings that those words provoke in you.
Are those words empowering you?
Are they nurturing you?
Are they empowering others?
How do those words make you feel?
How do those words make others feel?
Besides the words, try also to take note of the tone of voice where possible. It will reveal a lot about your state of mind.
We often forget the power that words have on us. Let us try and reclaim that power and as for everything else, it all starts with awareness.
A few years ago, I had started working on this exercise with my friends and I would often point out the disempowering phrases and words that they were utilising as well as their body language while doing so. I was pretty much thrilled with myself at being able to help my friends and colleagues change their language, therefore their perception, attitude and going ahead also their results in levels of satisfaction, happiness, joy and more. As time went by and there were ups and downs in my own life, my friends started turning the tables on me, asking me to change mine!
It was a thinly veiled case of “Practice what you preach!”
That was pretty interesting! An eye-opener for sure. I realised that I was paying a lot of attention to what others were saying but I had forgotten to consistently apply it to myself! Needless to say, I did pay attention, and soon enough, once again my entire outlook and my own results changed as well.
That is the power that words have in shaping our destiny, in driving us, in motivating us, in keeping us stuck, in helping us get unstuck, in allowing us to run smoothly through our days and execute effectively the journey of our life.
Go on, give yourself a chance at changing for the better.
Start becoming aware of how you express yourself externally and more importantly internally. This is even more effective if you can do it with a buddy invested in their growth like you are.
As a mindfulness practitioner and life-design coach, I help clients focus on well-being and personal growth and make life choices that prioritize their mental and emotional health. This leads to personal freedom and independence allowing the person to blossom and manifest the life they deserve. Connect with me if you are seeking to go forward on your journey.