The Most Powerful Words Are the Ones You Say to Yourself
What do you say when talking to yourself?
How many of you talk to yourself? Come on, I know I’m not the only one. In fact, you can stop by my office anytime and hear both my boss and I talking to ourselves. Talking a problem through, even with yourself, is often the best way to solve it.
I talk to myself at other times, too. In fact, it’s rare that my voice is not spewing words in my head. On tough days, those words are negative and turn a minor mistake into a devastating catastrophe.
Words have power. It’s my favorite thing about being a writer. Stringing the right words together can lift someone’s mood and change their life course. However, the wrong words are destructive.
“What are the most powerful words in the universe? The ones you use when you talk to yourself.” — Karen Salmansohn
Change the Message
Most of us are our own worst critic. We see all of our flaws regardless if others see them. Add in a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, and that criticism may turn to corrosive acid. The worst words are rarely true, but we are inclined to believe them.
The most important words you will ever say are the ones you say to yourself. When you have a mental illness, those words become even more critical. If you tell yourself that you are worthless, stupid, or a burden, you will believe it. It will shape how you see yourself and the world around you.
On the other hand, words of encouragement and hope will give you the strength to get through tough times. They remind you that your worth is not measured by your illness.
I am not my bipolar disorder. I am so much more than that. So are you.
For today, pay attention to the words you say to yourself. It’s helpful to write them down, but at the very least acknowledge every phrase. At the end of the day, review those messages and see if you can turn them into something positive.
Identify each statement that is a lie and cut it out of your life. Rephrase the ones that focus on your flaws into something positive. Words have power, so choose your words carefully.
Writing Prompts
Use these prompts to explore the power of words. If you write a Medium story, please come back and leave a link.
Journal Prompt: What is the most meaningful thing anyone has ever said to you? Why did those words mean so much?
Creative Writing Prompt: In a freak accident, a stranger’s consciousness is downloaded into your brain. Write a story about your life in the first days following the mishap.
Until next time, keep fighting.
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