When you think of clutter, does your mind go to the mess on the counter?
Your nightstand?
Or the hidden area under the sink?
Is your clutter tucked away neatly, or out in the open?
It’s true, when we think of clutter, we usually think of physical objects. Emotional clutter is just as prevalent. Today let’s talk about negative self-talk.
Do you think negatively about yourself? Does your mind automatically shift to critical mode when you make a mistake or forget something?
You may not even realize these thoughts when they occur. Sometimes our mind repeats things that we’ve heard about ourselves, and somehow, we believe these things to be true. I was talking with a friend recently, and we discussed how quickly we say, either in our minds or, worse, out loud, “I’m so stupid” or “I look terrible”! Unconsciously, we are affirming negative things, lies about ourselves that create mental clutter and emotional stress. We eventually believe these thoughts to be true. They are not. These thoughts are lies! Let’s break this habit together.
According to God’s word, Philippians 4:8 (NIV) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Friend, once we recognize these untrue automatic thoughts, we can reframe them and begin to work on the physical clutter in our lives. Let’s focus on what is right, pure and lovely – and that is you.
Bonus:
I’ll share something I learned about this here as well as introduce you to a helpful book that I discovered along the way. Link to grab your copy of Renee Vidor’s book here:
Paid link above: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How we imagine ourselves directly affects how we present ourselves to others. Renee Vidor, in her book, Measuring Up, How to Win in a World of Comparison, teaches us that “[w]hen Comparison is in charge it causes emotional pain, tension, and adverse side effects” (p. 13). This pain can often result in negative self-image and toxic self-talk. This internal dialogue may be a result of how others have treated us, our own internal feelings of not measuring up to certain worldly standards, or, it could be a habit developed to protect us from life’s certain disappointments. Instead of using discouraging events as elements of growth, we may program our brains to believe we cannot succeed because we are not enough, don’t have enough, or are not worthy of success because of our past. Have you even felt sad or defeated for no apparent reason? Could it be that negative and untrue self-talk has invisibly taken over who you truly are designed to be? Let’s find out together with a simple exercise.
This exercise, coupled with Renee’s book and coaching, can help you develop a more positive outlook! Taken seriously over the course of 5 consecutive days, it may be just the tool you need to help get you back on track if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with negativity, depression, or feeling defeated. If used over a series of days, listing and considering what your internal thought process is may help recognize and replace the lies we unconsciously tell ourselves with the true gifts and talents that only you, my friend, possess.
Remember, this assignment is for you, and your eyes only (unless you decide to share). Honesty is key. It can be done at the end of each day or printed and filled in throughout the day as thoughts occur to you. Take a notebook and divide the page in half. Dump negative self-talk thoughts in the left column and think about them logically. In the right column, rewrite the thought in a positive way. At the end of the day, set a timer for 5 minutes and journal how you feel about the process.
I’ll be transparent and share an example from my list.
Self – Concept/First Thoughts Truth/Second Thoughts
(How we instantly perceive ourselves) (How we really are)
I never finish anything, that is why I By making time to create an
am such a failure at everything I do organized task list, I am becoming
more productive and finishing what
I start
What are your thoughts?
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