Would You Say That to Your Niece?: The power of Kind Self Talk

Life is full of decisions, and sometimes the hardest ones are those that challenge our inner narratives. On my recent drive from Mason, Ohio to Watertown, Tennessee, I had an insightful conversation with my dear friend Melissa. She was debating whether to join me for a trip to Las Vegas and wrestled with feelings of guilt and selfishness about prioritizing herself.

Her words struck me because Melissa is one of the kindest, most selfless individuals I know. Yet, her internal dialogue painted a very different picture. When she described herself as selfish, I couldn’t help but counter that idea with my experience of her.

I asked her a simple but powerful question: Would you ever call your 13-year-old niece selfish for prioritizing something important to her? Of course, she said no. That’s when I reminded her—and now I remind all of you—to extend the same grace to yourself that you would to a loved one.

Here’s the takeaway: your self-talk matters. Challenge those negative narratives. Speak to yourself with kindness, patience, and optimism. This shift in mindset isn’t just empowering—it’s transformational.

So, next time you catch yourself being overly critical, pause and ask: Would I say this to someone I care about? Let’s commit to treating ourselves with the respect and love we deserve.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re ready to cultivate a mindset for growth and success, reach out—I’m here to help.