Be Your Own Best Friend

Would you ever tell your best friend she was ugly? Would you tell her she was incapable of being loved, too tall, too short, or annoying? 

Absolutely not! So why is it okay to talk to ourselves like that? Today, I’d like to flip the precious “golden rule” on its head. As a child, I was diligently instructed to “treat others the way you want to be treated”. This mantra has guided my relationships, driving me to communicate with empathy and respect. However, I’ve positively failed to recognize the inverse application of this rule: “treat yourself the way you treat others”. 

A compassionate, kind heart cannot fully flourish unless you direct some of that energy inward. Self depreciation has recently become a societal norm, a symbol of humbleness.

“I’m so stupid.”

“I’m too fat for those shorts.”

“Why am I so incapable.”

“I’m not worthy.”

This consistent, injurious pattern of negative self talk crumbles your ego, making it harder to forge positive, uplifting connections in the real world. It’s time to become our own best friends, to empower and elevate ourselves through positive self-talk. While this task may seem formidable, it all starts with little steps. For instance, when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I used to think was “You look like a mess!” Over time, I’ve restructured my inner dialogue by focusing on gratitude. 

“You look like a mess!” has transformed into “You’re awake! You’re alive! You're going to have a great day”.

Over time, honing in on constructive self-talk revitalizes your spirit, and drastically increases self-confidence. Today, I challenge you to become your own best friend, and start your journey toward self love, one word at a time.