Watch out for the use of attack language where you’re attacking yourself, calling yourself a ‘failure’ or ‘stupid’ or anything of that sort.
It’s the very opposite to self compassion – and we need to give ourselves self compassion in this often hard world.
We sometimes – maybe often – use attack language like that to ourselves when we get something wrong, something as simple as dropping a spoon!
But watch out for that kind of language because it doesn’t really do anything except make you feel worse.
I don’t talk to myself like that anymore
You could instead redirect your attention to dealing with what just happened and you might also say something to yourself like ‘I don’t talk to myself like that anymore.’
The use of this self-attacking language is something that people often do outside of awareness almost, especially if they are used to talking to themselves in that harsh way.
When you practise mindfulness you can spot that language so much more easily. If you need to know more about mindfulness this post will help.
Self-attacking language can make people feel very down and it’s not really justified.
It doesn’t help you in your life – so remember:
I don’t talk to myself like that anymore.
Video edited from a self-compassion presentation.
My True Friend course can help you to build compassion for yourself – to be a friend to yourself whatever happens. It’s an online course and payment is by donation so it’s affordable to all. Learn more
My book Acceptance – create change and move forward will be published in March 2023 and can be pre-ordered here.
