
The Power of Positive Self-Talk

I am a nice person who’s had friends in the past. It hurts to not have many now, and that is a normal reaction. I think a lot of women feel the way I do. Over time my friendships changed as kids grew up, friends moved away, and I started attending a different church. This is a hard time for me and I’m going to be kind to myself rather than put myse
... See moreKim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Sherrie also decided to talk to herself compassionately about the rough year she’d had and then come up with a plan to handle this recent news. This has been a tough year. I’ve had so much to handle and it seems like the tough times just keep coming. It feels like I can’t handle one more thing, but I know God and my family and friends will help me.
... See moreKim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Ask yourself some questions to highlight the truth: Did I do what I did on purpose? Am I truly sorry? Have I apologized and asked forgiveness from the person I hurt? If my friend did the same thing to someone else, would they deserve to be forgiven? What would I say to them? Why am I so surprised by my own sinfulness or imperfections? Do I really t
... See moreKim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Yes, I wish I’d acted differently. I’m also using this experience for good in order to grow and learn. I can grant myself grace while still doing what is necessary to right this situation. I’m not perfect, and I don’t need to be. I am lovable and acceptable even when I make mistakes.
Kim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Bill shared, Larry could feel those awful feelings of shame and rejection coming up again. In his effort not to feel those feelings again, he would push others in high places to validate his worth and elevate him to the top spot no matter what. If he could get them to do this, he wouldn’t have to feel the devastating shame he carried. As Bill gentl
... See moreKim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
When we have compassion for ourselves, our internal negative dialogue goes away.
Kim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Self-compassion is a balance of truth (Yes, I made a mistake) with grace (I have worth and value, and I will address this mistake directly).
Kim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
When we see ourselves in this balanced way—with truth and grace—we can acknowledge our faults without either falling into a self-focused pit of shame or defending against seeing the truth of the situation. Before you start getting down on yourself for responding in unhealthy ways, you can talk to yourself with compassion: I think I sometimes do res
... See moreKim Fredrickson • The Power of Positive Self-Talk
The relationship he has with himself impacts all the other relationships in his life whether he wants it to or not.