• · What does that person think of me?
• · Do I appear weak when I am not in control?
• · Will I disappoint him/her?
• · Am I having too much fun?
• · Am I as good as her/him?
• · Do I make poor decisions?
• · Did I deserve that compliment, raise, or reward?

When we ask ourselves questions like any of those listed above we set ourselves up for stress filled living. It is time to change the way we speak to ourselves and reduce our stress. Let's dissolve the obstacles in our self-talk for stress free living today

One of the ways we can begin to break down our stress filled thoughts is to challenge them. Start thinking and behaving in ways that are contrary to the stress filled thought.

Instead of: "I really should be at work today instead of on this field trip to the amusement park with my daughter."

Change to: " I deserve to have fun today. What a joy it is to watch my daughter in her atmosphere and get to know her life a little better."

Instead of: " I knew I should have gotten up earlier. This traffic is going to make me late. Everyone will be disappointed."

Change to: " There is no way I could have known there would be more traffic today. I made the best decision I could with the information I had at the time. I will be patient and arrive to work at peace with myself and my decision."

Instead of: " I will never be as good at tennis as she is."

Change to: " Tennis is fun for me. I do my best when I play tennis. It is fun to watch strong players like her play the game."

When we begin to challenge our thinking and change our self-talk we dissolve the expectations that set us up for a stress filled life. Share these tips with your daughter. She can change her self talk and live more stress free.

Continue to use your stress journal. Recognize the negative self-talk that increases your stress and challenge yourself to change the language to reflect the gentler, less stressed woman you are.

© 2006 by Doorways Coaching
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