Okay, we do not mean that literally. This is not information regarding food or dietary concerns rather, what messages are you feeding your brain with your self-talk? What are the automatic thoughts that you are saying to yourself? Take note of your self-talk and you might be surprised by the thoughts that just pop into your head. These automatic thoughts can be very powerful and lead to how we react and feel. If you happen to feed yourself negative thoughts, consider the negative cycle or steps that can result.

1. 1)  Negative thought
2. 2)  Create doubts worries
3. 3)  Produce unpleasant feelings
4. 4)  Make you feel sad, depressed, anxious and uptight
5. 5)  Affect what you do
6. 6)  Feel disinterested and unmotivated
7. 7)  Confirm your failure (and back to #1)

Sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it? Well, the good news is that it doesn’t need to continue. We challenge you each to PAY ATTENTION to your thinking!! You can break the negative thought cycle and change to a positive thought cycle. Once you know what you are telling yourself, you can counter think those nasty thoughts. Try not to get so distracted by the world and what is going on around you. Pay attention to what you are telling yourself and show yourself kindness and compassion with your internal dialogue.

So what do you do with these negative thoughts once you identify them? First, remember, a thought is just a thought. You have the power to dismiss it or continue thinking negatively – It truly is your choice. Here are some strategies:

1. 1)  Perhaps, you note the negative thought without self-judgement and imagine it floating away from your mind. Picture yourself holding a balloon with the negative thought inside and imagine yourself releasing the balloon and watching it float away.
2. 2)  Perhaps, you recognize that you just catastrophized something and notice the absurdity of the thought- (What are the chances of this happening to me? What is the worst thing that can happen to me in this situation?) Ask yourself if your thoughts are rational or irrational.
3. 3)  Perhaps, you find yourself labeling: Instead of saying, “I made a mistake,” you tell yourself, “I’m such an idiot.” Take a deep breath and speak kindly to yourself – Gently, correct your error, if you made one. Everyone makes mistakes and that is okay!

So, PAY ATTENTION to your thinking and make the choice to feed yourself healthy thinking. Feed yourself good healthy positive thoughts and the throw the negative ones into the garbage!

Stay calm and breathe deeply, Suzanne and Karah