You Are a Good Person
We've all battled that negative little voice in our head that insists on putting us down. Sometimes it says we aren't smart enough, other times it likes to ridicule our appearance. Whatever the topic, that little voice can never seem to find anything worth praising. It's always belittling our self esteem and making us feel like we're two feet tall. If you're constantly battling with negative thoughts and personal put-downs, now's the time to start fighting back. The following are three things you can do to improve your life and silence that critical voice for good!
1) Recognize Your Value
Many people assume that their personal value and worth depends on "what they do" and not "who they are." Good grades, great job, beautiful wife, big house, flat stomach – these things do not create value or represent success. They may be nice things to have or goals worth pursuing, but they are not the be-all or end-all of your world. If you do your best, at whatever you do, then you are a good person and a valuable asset to your family and community.
2) Fulfill Your Potential
It is important to understand that you are at your most valuable when you are fulfilling your own potential, not someone else's. Yes, there will be times when you struggle to see your own potential. These are the moments in life when you need to be at your strongest. Don't cave to the pressures of society or your peers. Stay true to yourself and continue to pursue your personal goals. Struggle is a natural part of life. Occasionally we will fail ourselves. But these failures are only temporary if we learn from them and are able to regain our path to personal fulfillment.
3) Erase Negative Thoughts
Negativity doesn't help anyone. Exposure to positivity is what will help improve your personal outlook on life. Reject negative thoughts about "you," whether they come from yourself or anyone else. Replace these thoughts with positive compliments and statements. Celebrate your achievements, both small and large. The more you celebrate your greatness, the easier it will be to be confident in yourself and less critical of your shortcomings.
Don't Mask Serious Problems with Optimism
Occasionally, we can all benefit from a healthy does of honesty. Not everything can be perfect all the time. If you are suffering from a serious problem, like anorexia or bulimia, false positivity will only cause you more hurt than good. Be honest with yourself and accept that things are not ok. This is the first step to recovery and the beginning of a happy, healthy life.
As a professional family therapist, I have heard many negative thoughts and opinions. I have seen young girls belittle themselves because they don't think they are pretty, and young men criticism themselves for being too weak or too shy. These negative thoughts are like a slow poison eating away at our souls. The longer it is left to fester, the greater the damage it will inflict. If negativity is an obstacle that you face on a daily basis, don't continue to suffer in silence. Talk to a friend, family member, or professional counsellor and explain to them how you feel.
Even though I have never met you, I already know that you are a good person. No, I am not crazy – rather, I recognize that you, like most, have vast amounts of inner good. All you need to do is give yourself permission to express and embrace this positive energy.