I recently attended a “Boss Lady Seminar” held in honor of Women’s Week at the U. Each speaker was truly inspiring, but one speaker said something that really stuck with me. She said that each morning we should look in the mirror and say positive affirmations, to remind ourselves of our worth. I think we could all use a bit more positivity in our lives, so here are six phrases you can use to replace those self-deprecating thoughts.
1) Instead of saying “I hate myself…”
Say: “I know I can do better and I will work hard to get to that place, but I also love who I am now.”
If you are a perfectionist, you probably have unreasonably high expectations for yourself, and it can be quite disheartening when you feel as though you don’t measure up. However, that doesn’t mean you are less deserving of love.
2) Instead of saying “I’m so stupid…”
Say: “I don’t understand this concept, but I will get there.” And/Or “I made a mistake, but I now understand how I can do better next time.”
College life tends to breed this kind of thinking. Making a mistake, bombing a test, or saying something embarrassing in a class discussion does not define your intelligence. Give yourself a break, you’re only human!
3) Instead of saying “I’m ugly…”
Say: “I am beautiful, and anyone who can’t acknowledge that is not worth my time and energy.” And/Or “The presence of someone else’s beauty does not diminish my own.”
It’s so easy to get wrapped into the perceived perfection of what we see on social media. Just remember that beauty is limitless; there’s more than enough beauty for all of us!
4) Instead of saying “I hate my body…”
Say: “I am grateful for the body I have, because it allows me to do the things I need/want to do.”
Ignore unrealistic body expectations that try to tell you that only certain body types are healthy, sexy, and worthy. There is no wrong way to have a body! Your body is, ultimately, your home, treat it with the kindness it deserves and listen to the things it is trying to tell you.
5) Instead of saying “I am such a freak, why would anybody want to be around me?”
Say: “I am unique and my friends and family love me for who I am.”
It’s easy, especially if you are socially awkward, to feel out of place, but remember, your quirks are what make you stand out and make the world a better place.
6) Instead of saying “Why can’t I be as successful as her?”
Say: “I am working my hardest, and making progress towards my goals.”
There are so many ways to get to the places you want to go; there is no single right way to achieve your goals!
It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts, but as so many of the speakers at the “Boss Lady Seminar” reminded the audience, there are already too many people who are more than willing to put you in a small box, don’t add yourself to that list. The next time you start falling into a negative thought pattern, try to change the messages you are giving yourself, and nurture a healthy amount of self-love.