Those of you who have been reading my blog since April of last year know the power of words. We spent our time wandering through the alphabet together, building our own personal, positive vocabulary. Those blogs are archived in Back to Basics for any who may have missed them.
We have 50-65,000 thoughts a day. Of those, 85% of what we think is negative and 95% of what we think is “recycled” material. Such negativity can definitely do damage to our self-esteem and affect our choices. I clearly remember the scene in the cartoon movie “Bambi” where Thumper the bunny made a remark about how badly Flower the skunk smelled. Thumper’s mother promptly interjected, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” I wish everyone was like Thumper’s mom! Negative words wound others and wound ourselves.
Are you your own worst critic? Take some time to listen to what you say about yourself in your mind or aloud, and jot those thoughts down. Do you cut yourself down? Do you decline doing something new because you might not be good at it? Do negative comments or experiences from the past echo in your memory? Would you rather be safe and stay in your comfort zone than take a chance at something new?
Maybe it is time to quiet that inner critic. Be forgiving and supportive. Do not expect perfection; aim for progress as you learn. Celebrate how far you have come. Allow yourself to make mistakes, as they are steps in learning. Thomas Edison was asked by a reporter how it felt to have failed 1,000 times to invent the light bulb. Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
Choose your words. Replace “I can’t” with “I can.” Replace “I’ll try” with “I will.” Replace problem with opportunity. Replace stressed with no problem. Do this for you. Learn from yesterday and start fresh today. Share your goals in a positive way and accept help. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
I Care, Barb
By CAT December 5, 2019
Perfectionism is replaced with “PROGRESS” instead…GREAT article, Barb; speaks “VOLUMES” AND HOW!
By Barb Maas November 15, 2019
While in therapy after a diagnosis of breast cancer, the therapist addressed other life issues that might affect my healing. One was my weight. Without going into details, she taught me to think of there being a young Barb inside me that didn’t get the emotional support & guidance she needed as a child and that the adult Barb I am now was to devote her time to protecting that vulnerable child….me. It took awhile but it stopped my criticism & showed me who was talking..that hurt child or the adult me. Your article made me remember how much that helped me adjust and deal with self-criticism a little better. Thanks for such a good article. Please keep them coming.
By Janet Blickle November 25, 2019
In my group there is a person who would comment when she saw what someone else made or did, for example a secret sister gift that was given, she would say I would have done that different or better than that. I have to admit that is one of the few reasons I stopped going to my TOPS group. Seven months later I am back to my group. I can not let someone else’s negative talk get me down enough to quit. I am back and only think positive self thoughts. If I have a self- criticism I stop myself in my tracks.
By Cat December 5, 2019
Congrats on overcoming negative entities who try to exert control over the entire group and glad you turned it around!!! Will not let “Someone else’s negative talk get me down enough to quit”…True! Just b/c you are invited, doesn’t mean you have to accept!!! Always state: “Thanks for the invitation, but I am declining at this time.”
By Janice Doppler November 4, 2019
For many months, I’ve been using the TOPS “My Personal Journey” for weekly reflection each Wednesday or Thursday. I will pay attention to when I say “I’ll try” between now and my next entry then change to one “try”to an I will SMART goal in that entry.
By Wanda Jewe November 2, 2019
Thinks Barb! This post is so true and positive speak is so important. I “dieted” for years but don’t think I ever thought I could really succeed. Then….I became determined, committed, and dedicated to being healthier and thinner. When I started telling myself I could do it……..I did!! I made KOPS after over 10 years with TOPS….then after 7 months I lost it.
I AM going to achieve KOPS status again though!! Because I KNOW I can!
By Julie Feiock October 30, 2019
Barb, your articles are always uplifting.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to send out encouraging messages.
Have a wonderful Wednesday
By Val Webb October 28, 2019
I really enjoyed reading today’s Negative Words. I have been getting back on track again Since my foot operation. We tend to forget how much we rely on them. Instead of I can’t it’s I will.. Thanks for the encouragement Monday Moments.
By Margaret McNutt October 28, 2019
Thank you for the encouraging words. It goes right with my Bible study at church. We are studying the book of Joshua. The Bible study we are doing right now is “Winning the Worry Battle“ by Barb Roose. I just wish members realized that the devil is working in our life and wants us to believe our negative thoughts. I love all of the posts. They keep me on track.
By Sandra Hangey October 28, 2019
Thank you Barb, I am my worst critic and I know it, this has helped already. I am passing this on to a few of my friends and will share this with my group.
By Fran Drozdz October 28, 2019
Excellent Barb! This talked to me today!