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. |
POSITIVE
I believe in myself. I can do some things. I pay attention to the little things. |
|
NEGATIVE
I am a failure. |
POSITIVE
I'm learning to cope. I'm doing my best. I'm learning. I'm trying. I made it to the group. (Any small success is worth celebrating) |
|
NEGATIVE
I can't do anything right. |
POSITIVE
I can try to do things differently. I looked after myself today / this morning / this evening. My house is clean. |
|
NEGATIVE
I am ugly / I am fat. I'm disgusting. |
POSITIVE
In my own way, I'm OK. I am me. I look younger than I am. I have a beautiful heart. I give the best hugs. |
|
NEGATIVE
I can't do that. |
POSITIVE
I'll take small steps to improve. |
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NEGATIVE
I am a burden. |
POSITIVE
I will smile today. I give. I provide stability to the family. I try to be helpful. I have a lot to offer. |
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NEGATIVE
I can't cope with this. |
POSITIVE
I will cook a meal. I'll deal with it in little bits. I'll ask for help. |
|
NEGATIVE
I am not good enough. |
POSITIVE
I am going to try. |
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NEGATIVE
I am not good enough. |
POSITIVE
I am going to try. |
|
NEGATIVE
I am worthless. |
POSITIVE
I do have value. I am helpful by offering lifts to the groups. I am fighting. My actions prove otherwise. I managed that. |
|
NEGATIVE
I'm hard work. |
POSITIVE
I'm thoughtful and think of others. I'm a good listener. I'm doing the best I can. |
|
NEGATIVE
I'm a horrible person (to myself and others). |
POSITIVE
Today I made people laugh. I help people. |
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NEGATIVE
I am stupid / thick. |
POSITIVE
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. |
|
NEGATIVE
I hate myself. |
POSITIVE
I like... (one thing about myself). |
|
NEGATIVE
I am not liked. |
POSITIVE
I am me. Like me or not: your choice! Either (like me or not) is OK. |
|
NEGATIVE
I'm a disappointment. |
POSITIVE
I'm ill and striving to get better. |
|
NEGATIVE
I'm a disgrace. |
POSITIVE
I've achieved what others haven't. I'm a survivor. |
|
NEGATIVE
Nobody likes me. |
POSITIVE
I have a good sense of humour and people like me for it. I am kind / non-judgemental and people like me. I've got lasting relationships. People like to spend time with me. |
|
NEGATIVE
I didn't do well enough. |
POSITIVE
I did the best I could. I'll be kinder to myself next time. |
|
NEGATIVE
I don't trust myself. |
POSITIVE
I can trust myself to make it through today. If others trust me there must be something there. |
|
NEGATIVE
It's my fault. |
POSITIVE
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. |
|
NEGATIVE
Things will always be this bad. |
POSITIVE
Things change. Things have been better and can get better. |
|
NEGATIVE
No-one cares. |
POSITIVE
People do care but don't always show it. I need to ask for help, not isolate myself. |
|
NEGATIVE
I get everything wrong. |
POSITIVE
I get some things right. I'm learning. |
|
NEGATIVE
I don't deserve to be happy. |
POSITIVE
I am capable of being happy. |
|
NEGATIVE
I deserve to be suffering. I deserve punishment. |
POSITIVE
I will be kind to myself. I deserve freedom. I deserve a break. I deserve more. I deserve help. |
|
NEGATIVE
I'm not worthy enough to be alive. |
POSITIVE
I am needed. I am alive for a reason. |
|
NEGATIVE
My brain is fried. |
POSITIVE
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!" |
|
NEGATIVE
I deserve to hurt myself. |
POSITIVE
I deserve to take care of myself. |
|
NEGATIVE
I should have done better. |
POSITIVE
I did my best. I did well considering the circumstances. I tried as hard as I could. |
|
NEGATIVE
Why can't I be normal? |
POSITIVE
F*** normal! Everybody is unique. I like being different. What even is normal anyway? |
|
NEGATIVE
I don't deserve... |
POSITIVE
I'm allowed to... |
|
NEGATIVE
I can't cope. I can't do this. |
POSITIVE
With support I can learn different coping methods. I can try. |
|
NEGATIVE
I am clueless. |
POSITIVE
I am constantly learning. |
|
NEGATIVE
I wasted my day. I'm not doing enough |
POSITIVE
I deserve rest. I am doing what I can |
|
NEGATIVE
I deserve to die. |
POSITIVE
This is temporary. Things can improve. I'm needed. I can create a positive influence by being here. Don't deprive the world of the gift of you! |
