Monday, October 4, 2010

Inner Dialogue

I wonder.... are you at all like me?  I heard a talk once that referred to your inner dialogue, what you say to yourself throughout the day.  What is your inner dialogue?   The speaker posed the question, would you ever talk to someone else the way you talk to yourself?  Would you ever dream of saying those mean, hurtful things to others?  Why, then, do we think it is ok to say it to ourselves?  I have been thinking about this a lot lately.
It is so easy to see things in ourselves that we don't like.  But why is it so difficult to see the good, great  and wonderful in ourselves?  I had a roommate, Chrissy, who told me that everyday I needed to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself, "You're beautiful."  What if I had actually done that?  Would my inner dialogue be different today?  I have struggled with this negative inner dialogue for some time.  It is something I am trying to change.  I wonder... are you like me?
I wasn't able to hear much of conference... trying to keep a 16 month old around.  But I was able to hear some of Pres. Uchtdorf's talk.  This quote stopped me in my tracks:
    “Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.”

What a beautiful reminder!  The Lord knew I needed to hear this at this time.  I give thanks to a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of what I need.  I don't write this to have compliments sent my way.... just something I've been thinking about and conference got me thinking even more.  Thanks to all the beautiful examples I have in my life.  I learn from you, even when you don't realize it.

7 comments:

Valerie said...

Cool! I've been thinking the exact same thought last week and so far this week. I've been stopping my thoughts are re-directing them to postive ones, but it isn't easy. I also loved that part (and all of the talk too) from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk.

Heather and Thomas Mann said...

Great minds think alike, eh, Valerie?!

Valerie said...

But you say it all so nicely! Great post.

Stella Andes said...

Beautiful post. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk and felt like it spoke to me directly too. It's a longstanding problem for me. I think many of us must struggle with this issue, or he would not have been inspired to speak about it. Thanks, Heather! And by the way, you are terrific and beautiful!

erika said...

conferance was great.
Its still hard to listen to even when your kids are older.

Tiff :o) said...

There is always so many wonderful to think about after listening to conference. I think everyone struggles with it at times in their lives. The great thing is that our spirit is stronger than our body and mind and you can change it with practice. You are beautiful and a great sister and example. Focus less on the bad and more on the good and it will get better.

Becca B said...

Yep. I'm like you. :)
Same talk in conference hit me too.
My negative inner dialogue makes me not fun to be around, and no wonder! Anyone would feel hashed if someone followed them around all day telling them they weren't doing anything good enough!