Linda Gabriel's article discusses a way to combat negative thoughts:

Here’s a simple tip:

Whenever you hear yourself think or say “always” or “never” followed by a negative belief, place three little words in front of the statement.

These powerful words are“Up until now….”

http://thoughtmedicine.com/2010/04/t...nge-your-life/

What I refer to as negative chatter for me is an expression of self-loathing and shame. I would constantly remind myself I was inadequate, weird, and not worthy of acceptance by others.

It takes a lot of perseverance and willpower to debunk cognitive distortions and change negative thoughts to more realistic and positive ones.

Ms. Gabriel gives us many examples of how to view ourselves more accurately. I liked the article.

[AvidReader]

What a great article, Byzantine -- thanks so much for sharing it! I tend to engage in a lot of negative chatter myself; it's been a habit of such long standing that it's become ingrained. But I am working hard now to change these negative patterns of thinking and these automatic thoughts.

Very interesting; thanks again.

[kaliope]

that was really great byzantine. thanks for sharing.

[protector1973]

its there problem

What are you trying to add to this thread, protector1973?

[Open Eyes]

This is a very good article because of the way it simplifies how to help yourself heal.

I have often posted in an effort for the consideration of the brains capacity to heal and overcome. And I have also talked about it being a personal journey for each person. And what that includes is making efforts to reach out and it does take some bravery. Part of my reason for joining PC was to expose myself and see how I might be missing something that I was unaware of. And the fact that one can do it annoyomously is very helpful. Because now one has a chance to discuss issues that truely trouble them. And what is nice about PC is that one can read words that say "me too" or "you can do it" or "I was there too" and so on.

And by really reading our own oppinions and how we interact with others is a good way of finding out the ways that we can make this list of self limiting behaviors.
It can be much like the parent we never had, if we just allow this to take place.
A voice that says yes you can, you are worth it, keep trying, and all the other comments that one may have never received and needed in order to become a more positive person.

So for anyone who reads this perhaps you can put in the effort to make your own personal list and try to use this suggested positive input. Up until now I have been blaming myself for this and that. And now that will leave an open door.

So I will say again, the brain is amazing. It can heal, but it does take time and a conscious effort to do the work. And it does take time and depending on each person that length of time will vary.

Thank you for this article Byz.
Open Eyes

[Open Eyes]

Originally Posted by protector1973

its there problem

Oh, I see, your saying that the three words you have picked that you feel helped you is "it is their problem".

Well, I suppose that could be useful in certain situations.

But what about how the words given above in the article presented can effect you as well?
The whole point is how one can often address the issues that they may consider self limiting and negitive.

Ofcourse that is up to you protector1973 as you may use the suggested words to open up your personal limitations that you may put on yourself unknowingly. It is a personal journey.

Open Eyes

[slowinmi]

Byz, thank you so much for posting this. I tend to be very negative with myself. My T says I'm "hard on myself". This is a technique that is easy to use and something I can remember. I plan to start using right now. Thanks again, slow

[purple_fins]

I'm going to try those "three words" on.
thanks for sharing this

hope they can make things a bit better for all that try them.

respectfully,
fins

[wing]

I'm going to use this in one of my group chats, thanks byz.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Hello.

Just saw this thread and it spoke to me.

I used always and never a lot.

I will try this. "Up until now."

Thanks,

Billi

[siljie]

I'll have to remember this one, thanks for sharing!

[Wren_]

Thanks this is great I like the three little words; and the description of how we hypnotise and sentence ourselves with our words is so powerful and true.

[Sunna]

This are my newest 3 magical words:

CHANGE THE STORY

[Gently1]

I will add that to my list of revisons- thanks
I am also changing 'I am sick and tired of being sick and tired' with 'I am feeling frustrated." I have difficulty recognising and naming feeling.
g

[harley2]

[quote=TheByzantine;1947552]Linda Gabriel's article discusses a way to combat negative thoughts:

Here’s a simple tip:

Whenever you hear yourself think or say “always” or “never” followed by a negative belief, place three little words in front of the statement.

These powerful words are“Up until now….”

What I refer to as negative chatter for me is an expression of self-loathing and shame. I would constantly remind myself I was inadequate, weird, and not worthy of acceptance by others.

It takes a lot of perseverance and willpower to debunk cognitive distortions and change negative thoughts to more realistic and positive ones.

Ms. Gabriel gives us many examples of how to view ourselves more accurately. I liked the article.[

I like this, I am going to have to try it.... great suggestion