They used to say that talking to yourself is a sign of insanity. Then they said it’s okay to talk to yourself, as long as you don’t answer. I must be crazy, because I have conversations with myself all the time. I happen to think it’s healthy. It’s hard to keep things straight in the ADHD brain with so many different thoughts racing around in there. Verbalizing helps us sort through things. Saying something out loud makes it more tangible, and thus easier to follow and remember.
I think crazy vs. sane, or healthy vs. unhealthy, has more to do with how you talk to yourself than with whether or not you do it. It’s crazy and unhealthy to berate yourself. It’s sane and quite beneficial to find that voice of reason and give it air time, letting it be your guide.
Here are some examples of healthy self talk:
• I can do this!
• Ignore the computer. It’s a trap!
• Is this really what I want to be doing?
• I’ll feel much better after this is done.
• What can I do differently next time?
Here are some statements you’d be better served to put a lid on:
• I am so stupid!
• Why can’t I do anything right?
• Nothing ever goes my way.
• Why am I so irresponsible?
• Why do I always make things so difficult?
Self talk is powerful. The choice is yours whether you use it to your advantage or your detriment. As Don Miguel Ruiz said in his book “The Four Agreements”, be impeccable with your word. Don’t use it against yourself. You’ll be much happier if you always make it a point to treat yourself with respect.
(www.adhdsolutions.net)
