On the Positive Side
I have often been my own worst critic – filling my head with doubt whenever I meet with uncertainty. However, I recently came to the realization that the words I say to myself carry a lot of weight, and by practicing positive self-talk I can uplift myself. Positive self-talk is the angel on my shoulder, encouraging me and telling me to hold my head high. When I practice positive self-talk, I am my biggest supporter, my personal cheerleader, and my helping hand. Cultivating positive thoughts by reciting affirmations improves my mood and gives me a boost of confidence.
I did not always practice positive self-talk; I only recently started using it. Before, I sometimes got overwhelmed in uncomfortable situations. For example, during my presentation on sexual revictimization, I constantly anticipated the worst, thinking that no one would like the presentation. I tensed up and became anxious. After my presentation, I realized that many of my overwhelming thoughts came from what I said to myself. I had to start flipping this narrative: Rather than undermining myself, I had to begin supporting myself.
I started practicing positive self-talk just before my presentation on parental incarceration. I recited affirmations to myself, whispering, “I worked hard, and everyone will love the information I have to share.” Repeating this affirmation helped calm my nerves and give me confidence. Afterwards, I noticed that practicing positive self-talk had made me a better presenter.
Learning how to be kind to myself was difficult. It was challenging to learn how to speak to myself in a new way. However, the more I practiced positive self talk and encouraged myself through affirmation, the easier it became. Over time, it became second nature.
When I am facing challenges and starting to feel overwhelmed, I turn inward and affirm myself. I support myself to regain my confidence to overcome tough situations. Using positive self-talk, I am less anxious and more motivated and confident. It used to be easy to put myself down and let negativity overwhelm me. Positive self-talk lifts me up and keeps the negativity at bay. Whenever you are starting to feel negative or overwhelmed, I recommend you recite affirmations to yourself out loud or in your head. Positive self talk has helped me tremendously, and it can help you too.
LaShawn is a double major in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in neuroscience. His research interests include recidivism rates among the homeless who suffer from mental impairments and prevention strategies to help reduce global sex trafficking. He is planning to graduate in the spring of 2022. After LaShawn graduates, he plans to enroll into a forensic psychology master’s program.