Self-talk.
Self-talk is the way I talk to myself or my inner voice. I might not be aware that I am doing it, but I almost certainly am. This inner voice combines conscious thoughts with inbuilt beliefs and biases to create an internal monologue throughout my day. It’s influenced by my subconscious mind, and it reveals my thoughts, beliefs, questions, and ideas.
I am an artist, composer, producer, maker, developer, architect, and mastermind. Did you know that? I am created to create. It’s in my DNA. Whether I am good with a paintbrush or not, I am creating with my words.
The world I trod around in right now is the by-product of the words I tell myself and the ones others tell me. Of course, only one physical world exists. But not everyone sees the same world. The world Jesus saw was radically different from the Pharisees, for example. Hitler’s world was radically different from Martin Luther King’s.
The same is true for you and me. We have the power to create the world we see with our words. We have the power to create the world other people see with our words. Like a great picture, my words create a portrait of my world. The same can be said of the words I allow into my heart and mind.
When I say, ‘I am, it could only be said by no other than myself. “I am” is my real identity. Saying “I am” is announcing the presence of God/Universe/Process/Source/Light/Higher Power, etc. When I am exercising “faith,” I am placing trust, at that moment, in the process of Life. I am trusting my “obstacles” to be my “opportunities” for internal expansion.
I am trusting that a Higher Power exists within me and that I am never alone. I am trusting that whatever is part of my existence is for some benefit. I am going “all in” into the stage play of Life. And I make my destiny and fate by the choice of words I attach to that ‘I am.
Remember, whatever I attach “I am”, I become. It has the power to free me if I know how to use it. Accept the fact that I am inspired, loving, harmonious, peaceful, happy, and strong. The power of these words will resurrect these qualities within me that went dormant as I try to fight for my survival. Affirmations are so powerful for these reasons.
Creating affirmations that empower me to be who I want to be and feel what I want to feel creates positive energy and motion forward. When I complain, I am confirming and attracting that energy just as much as I call forth positive energy through optimistic, joyous words.
Every time I say, “I am one with God,” (God is love and love is the energy of the universe) I am claiming the gift of God to me that is a life filled with meaning. Every time I fight fear, and every time I entrust my life in love, I am lengthening my life, limiting disease to attack me, resulting in good well-being and health leading to a more sensible life.
Speaking words of the outcomes and situations that are in my favour through these practices calls forth the energy behind the words. Speak “I AM” followed by the feeling or action or statement that declares my blessings. Even if I do not see the evidence of that affirmation being true just yet, know that with my words I call forth a positive intention for myself.
Having faith means I can declare myself worthy of being all I desire. “I AM” is so powerful in that it is not later, “I will” or in the past “I was”. It is stated in the present tense so that I may immediately “be” all that is behind the words and intention. And so, it is…
Understanding the connection between what I think about myself and how it manifests is key to this concept. Connecting with my highest self, the one directly connected to my source, allows me to speak empowerment into my life through such sacred knowledge.
In my experience, the most transformative part of prayer is the part where I say nothing. When I’m silent, I can wrestle with the tensions in my heart and mind. When I stop talking, I can contemplate and make space for the mysteries of life. Sometimes words are better left unsaid. But at times, unsaid words make all the difference.
Words like always, never, and impossible can be dangerous and disempowering. Saying that something is “impossible” guarantees I’ll never find a way. Just because I have never done something up until now doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Devaluing my opinion serves no one and deprives everyone of the value my perspective brings.
Use words that resonate with both commitment and optimism. Instead of “I’ll try” say “I will.” If President Kennedy had said, “Let’s try to get a man on the moon,” we’d probably still be trying. Committing with a confident can-do spirit shifts the energy I bring to a challenge and helps rally people around me in ways that trying and ‘let’s hope for the best’ wishful thinking never will.
A loose tongue is a sign of immaturity. You won’t find a good leader who talks a lot. You might find someone who’s in charge, but not a leader. Leadership is about influence. It’s not a title. Great leaders know this. To inspire people, you must listen and understand the power of silence, among other things.