JS Tip 66: From the Stress-reduction Workshops: Self-talk

In our stress-reduction workshops, we talk about “self-talk.” Mantras. Words you repeat to yourself to calm down or build up.

In the first lines of “Let It Be,” Paul McCartney tells us—

When I find myself in times of trouble,
Mother Mary comes to me,
Speaking words of wisdom, “Let it be.”

And in my hour of darkness,
She is standing right in front of me,
Speaking words of wisdom, “Let it be.”

“Let it be. Let it be.”
“Let it be. Let it be.”
Whisper words of wisdom, “Let it be.”

(McCartney’s mother, Mary Mohan McCartney, died when he was sixteen.)

Notice the model: a few positive words, repeated over and over. (Negative words will work the same way, but we don’t want to go there.)

I can do this.

It don’t mean nothin’.

It’s gonna be all right.

Your brain hears and believes the words. Confidence rises. Fears leave.

It really does work.

We want to hear from you. What are your mantras? A friend sings "Hold On" from the musical "The Secret Garden." The same principle applies:

Hold on.

It's this storm, not you, that's bound to blow away.

Next week: More on words: “personal” and “personnel”; “all right” and “alright.”