Negatives to Positives - the power of words
The words we use affect how we feel. Small changes to the words we use when we speak and when we think can make big positive changes in our lives. Shifting to positive thinking from negative takes time and practice. Always take small steps so that the new statement is believable and acceptable by the brain. Changing "I'm useless" to "I'm useful" is too big a change and our brain will reject it instantly. But changing it to "With a kind word I can make someone feel better" is an acceptable shift. Here are some more examples as put together by our group members:
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NEGATIVE
I am useless. I am a failure. I can't do anything right. I am ugly / I am fat. I can't do that. I am a burden. I can't cope with this. I am not good enough. I deserve this. I am worthless. I'm hard work. I'm a horrible person (to myself and others). I am stupid / thick. Everybody hates me. I an not liked. I'm a disappointment. I'm a disgrace. Nobody likes me. I didn't do well enough. I don't trust myself. It's my fault. Things will always be this bad. No-one cares. I get everything wrong. I don't deserve to be happy. I deserve punishment. I'm a bad person. I'm not worthy enough to be alive. My brain is fried. I deserve to hurt myself I should have done better Why can't I be normal? I don't deserve... I can't cope. I can't do this. I deserve to die |
POSITIVE
I believe in myself. I can do some things. I pay attention to the little things. I'm learning to cope. I'm learning. I'm trying. I made it to the group. (Any small success is worth celebrating) I can try to do things differently. I looked after myself today / this morning / this evening. My house is clean. In my own way, I'm OK. I am me. I look younger than I am. I have a beautiful heart. I'll take small steps to improve. I will smile today. I give. I provide stability to the family. I try to be helpful. I will cook a meal. I'll deal with it in little bits. I'll ask for help. I am going to try. I managed that. I do have value. I am helpful by offering lifts to the groups. I am fighting. My actions prove otherwise. I'm thoughtful and think of others. I'm a good listener. I'm doing the best I can. Today I made people laugh. I help people. I am thoughtful. I will treat myself how I treat others. I have depth and internal qualities. I have skills and talents. I am good with others. I'm different. I'm unique. I am an individual. People smile when they see me. I am me. Like me or not: your choice! Either (like me or not) is OK. I'm ill and striving to get better. I've achieved what others haven't. I'm a survivor. I have a good sense of humour and people like me for it. I am kind / non-judgemental and people like me. I did the best I could. I'll be kinder to myself next time. I can trust myself to make it through today. If others trust me there must be something there. Somethings are out of my control. I take responsibility for my own actions. My brain is malfunctioning, it is not my intention to cause this. I couldn't help it. Things change. Things have been better and can get better. People do care but don't always show it. I need to ask for help, not isolate myself. I get some things right. I'm learning. I am capable of being happy. I will be kind to myself. I can do good things. I am needed. I am alive for a reason. I'm struggling, it's normal, it's been a long day. [our brain takes statements literally. Such a statement will encourage more difficulties in thinking as the brain will think it's turned into a crisp] "But I'm using it!" I deserve to take care of myself. I did my best. I did well considering the circumstances. I tried as hard as I could. F*** normal! Everybody is unique. I like being different. What even is normal anyway? I'm allowed to.. With support I can learn different coping methods. I can try. This is temporary. Things can improve. Don't deprive the world of the gift of you! |
