The mind is like a computer: Our lips are the keyboard; our cerebral cortex is the storage disk. Negative talk programs our storage disk (the subconscious mind) for poor outcomes; positive talk programs our mind for positive results.
If I listen carefully to everything I say about myself, I’m surprised to discover that I sometimes program my mind for negative feelings: I wish I had done this. I should have done that. I’ll never learn. I’m dumpy. Doddering. Dumb. Done for.
I’ve decided to rid myself of negative talk by:
- Speaking hopeful words
- Never missing an opportunity to genuinely compliment others
- Finding and saying something good about others
- Speaking thankfully
- Showing appreciation at every opportunity
- Encouraging the timid
- Praising good behavior, ignoring bad behavior
- Expecting and speaking positive outcomes
- Eliminating shoulds, oughts, and musts from my vocabulary
- Refusing to beat myself with negative words
- Speaking (to myself) what I want to be
- Telling myself in a soft whisper: God is with me wherever I go; the Holy Spirit will guide me; Jesus forgives me