Don’t Prank Yourself
April 1st is known as April Fool’s Day, traditionally a time for pulling pranks on unsuspecting people. Sometimes, however, we inadvertently prank ourselves.
The way in which we communicate with ourselves – the words and tone – significantly influences our self-perception and our approach to various situations. Have you ever wanted to undertake a task but stopped yourself from beginning due to self-discouragement? The way we talk with ourselves daily affects our actions, reactions, and self-esteem. Even if we engage in self-deprecating humor (a common practice of which I am also guilty), the impact of these words is profound, despite our portrayal of jest.
In moments where you find yourself being overly critical or engaging in negative self-talk, try this: Replace your words with positive and constructive ones. Consider how you would respond to a friend in a similar predicament, particularly if they were constantly hard on themselves. Would you permit them to belittle themselves? What words would you offer instead?
When you speak to yourself, instead of saying “You made a mistake…you’re stupid,” say “You made a mistake; that is acceptable because mistakes are part of the learning process; you will learn from this and get better.” Avoid generalizations. A single error does not define who you are.
Rather than stating “I cannot do this,” say “I may not perform this task as well as I wish, but I must start somewhere. If I never try, I will never succeed. By trying, I am granting myself the opportunity to improve.”
Instead of thinking “I am selfish for wanting to do this,” say “I am human. I am allowed to have personal needs; attending to my own needs enables me to support others effectively.”
And so forth.
My go-to reminder is this: Give yourself the grace that you so readily afford to others.
Exercise patience and compassion toward yourself. If you previously correlated your self-worth with achievements or external opinions, recognize that you merit compassion, love, and understanding just by being yourself. You too deserve happiness, fulfillment, and joy. Provide yourself with the space, patience, and grace necessary to breathe, recharge, live, and excel. You are enough.
So, stop pranking yourself. Choose your words wisely. Be kind to yourself.
Happy April 1st.
