• You have all this work to do, but the idea of doing it stresses you out.

Critical Talk:

Things you might say to yourself… “I can’t finish this.” “I don’t have time to do all this.” “This is too much.” “Maybe I’m not qualified.”

Love Talk:

Instead of these harmful thoughts you could say, “Why don’t I just break this huge project into smaller tasks that I can accomplish?” “What if after I finish each small task I treat myself with something that’s pleasing to me like an episode of my favorite show, a long walk, a swim, a movie?”

Good Job!

When we look at mountains they terrify. But, when we see that all we have to do to reach the top of the mountain is take smaller steps then the impossible doesn’t seem so impossible. And with treats we say to ourselves, “Good job!” And you did do a good job. You are doing a good job. You deserve a gold star.

The bad things we say about ourselves are learned. Criticism, judgment, analysis can be good. We need them to learn and grow. But, some parts of our brains hear, “You’re a mistake.” But like a flower, you will bloom. But before you bloom, you are seed in dirt that needs to be watered, and have the sun shine down on you.