Toasted! Not Roasted! - Learning to talk to ourselves differently
Ever caught yourself saying things to yourself that you’d never dream of saying to a friend? That inner voice can be quite the critic, can’t it? My son has this hilarious habit of saying “Roasted!” whenever someone gets a good burn in a conversation. It got me thinking—how often do we “roast” ourselves with negative self-talk? Instead, let's aim to “toast” ourselves with positive affirmations!
Positive Self-Talk: Sounds a Bit Silly, Doesn’t It?
The idea of talking to ourselves can seem a bit... well, deranged. But here's the thing: we all do it! And it's perfectly normal. The key is to become the observer of our thoughts and steer that inner dialogue in a positive direction.
Let me share a personal story. I have a pretty strong inner judge. It loves to tell me I'm not good enough, especially when I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. But over time, I’ve learned to catch those thoughts and turn them around. Instead of roasting myself with criticism, I’ve started toasting myself with encouragement.
Be the Observer of Your Thoughts
Pay attention to what you're saying to yourself. Are you being kind, or are you roasting yourself with harsh words? Remember, the goal is to toast yourself with positivity. It’s about building a habit of positive self-talk, which takes practice but makes a world of difference.
“That all sounds really great Jo, but how do I do that? How do I stop the ‘roasting’
1. Catch Your Negative Thoughts: The first step is awareness. Notice when you’re being self-critical. When you catch yourself roasting, call it out and label it…’oh there goes my inner critic again’ This small act can be very profound and can take the emotion out of the comment very quickly.
2. Challenge the Critic: Ask yourself if what you’re thinking is really true. Is there evidence to support it, or is it just your inner critic talking?
3. Replace with Positive Affirmations: Find positive, realistic affirmations that counter your negative thoughts. For example, if you think “I’m not good enough,” replace it with “I am capable and improving every day.”
4. Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you’re grateful for. This shifts your mindset from negativity to positivity.
5. Be Consistent: Like any habit, positive self-talk requires consistency. Keep practicing, and over time, it will become second nature.
Why This Matters
Positive self-talk isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. It’s about building resilience, boosting confidence, and improving overall well-being. When we talk to ourselves kindly, we’re more likely to take on challenges, recover from setbacks, and pursue our goals with determination.
Wrapping Up
So next time your inner critic pipes up, remember: Toasted! Not Roasted! Give yourself the encouragement you deserve. Embrace the power of positive self-talk, and watch how it transforms your confidence and outlook on life.