Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Talk

What does your self-talk sound like? This internal dialogue, your inner voice, often goes unnoticed. Have you ever stopped to really listen? Embrace who you are; you are unique. Have you considered that each of us is special in our own way? -Divyata Dewan

Art by Author, Divyata Dewan ©

These ongoing conversations with yourself leave imprints on your mind and body. Remember, we are all forms of energy. Physics tells us that energy vibrates at different frequencies. The dialogues you have within yourself trigger hormonal responses in your body, and hormones regulate numerous functions.

“Hormones are essential for controlling many bodily processes and play a crucial role in energy management.” — BEPURE

Hormones instruct your cells on their actions, enhancing ATP production—the energy currency of our cells. All living organisms rely on ATP to function effectively. According to Britannica, ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, an energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living beings.

Photo by Iluha Zavaley on Unsplash

Pain is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it's physical discomfort, like joint or muscle pain, or emotional turmoil from conflicts with friends or family, the pain we feel often connects back to our words and thoughts. Every thought has a ripple effect. Negative self-talk accumulates over time, shaping our beliefs about ourselves.

Reflecting on My Past Self-Talk

Growing up wasn't a walk in the park. The tendency to label others is ingrained in us. I, too, felt the impact of these labels early on. They say childhood lays the groundwork for adulthood. I spent mine striving to be a "good girl" to gain acceptance in social circles. Eventually, I realized I was failing to meet that standard.

I often felt inadequate. If only someone had told me, “You are wonderful just as you are," perhaps my journey through adolescence would have been smoother. My teenage years were a continuation of limiting beliefs from childhood. School became increasingly difficult, and the pressure to fit in with peers felt overwhelming. Those formative years turned into a cycle of negativity dominated by three C's: conformity, competition, and comparison.

“It is only when we live for others that we restrict our own potential.” -Divyata Dewan

I continuously undermined myself, releasing high levels of cortisol—the stress hormone that drains energy. Many don’t realize how this affects us. Self-neglect becomes habitual, and with it, the pain intensifies. Negative self-talk became second nature. Over the years, I internalized damaging beliefs borrowed from my surroundings—beliefs that were never mine to begin with.

The Journey to Change My Self-Image

To break free, I am actively working on reshaping these beliefs. Yes, I may be voluptuous, but that doesn't diminish my worthiness of love. I am no longer a people-pleaser. With determination, faith, and support, I have dedicated years to transforming my self-talk.

If you find yourself pondering your inner dialogue, know that it is genuine. Your inner voice can be loud or soft, akin to the sound of a bell. The nature of your self-talk shapes your self-image. The conscious mind processes words and images, instructing the body, while the subconscious mind absorbs these messages without question.

The words you speak and the thoughts you entertain become blueprints that your subconscious mind accepts. Over time, your body interprets these ideas in various ways—both beneficial and detrimental. Positive self-talk leads to a "pain-free mind and a healthy body," while negative self-talk results in a "painful mind and an unhealthy body."

Key Takeaways

• Be conscious of the language you use when speaking to yourself.
• Are your words uplifting or negative?
• Do you treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend in distress? Or do you resort to harsh criticism?

We are the architects of our lives. Everything is created twice: first in our minds, then in reality. Recognizing this truth empowers us to take control of our lives, following the universal Law of Cause and Effect.

Cause and Effect

The law of causality explained

Positive Self-Talk - This video emphasizes the importance of self-affirmation and how positive dialogue can reshape our thoughts and experiences.

Chapter 2: Transforming Your Inner Dialogue

When I faced challenging moments in my life, I wrote a heartfelt note to my inner self. I wish to share it with you, as it helped me set a course toward my desired direction. I hope it serves you well, too.

The Power of Self Talk - In this TEDx talk, Marc Cordon explores how our self-talk influences our actions and emotions, advocating for a more compassionate inner dialogue.

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