8 Ways to Hear Your Own Voice

For the last 12 years, I have kept a binder full of advice from friends and mental health professionals. After every doctor’s visit or coffee date, I would scribble down notes of what they said so that I could access their words when I needed them. Similarly, I kept a self-esteem file, full of positive comments from readers and loving notes from friends to pump me up when I needed reassurance and validation that I was a decent person who ought to stick around. We all need to rely on doctors, psychologists, and friends to guide us. The gems inside my binder and file afforded me great reassurance in times of darkness. However, I filled my head so full of feedback from others that there was little room for my own thoughts. During the last six months, I have been trying to reduce the noise inside my head so that I can recognize my own voice and honor my truth. Here are a few ways to begin to listen to what YOU have to say. Put down the self-help books. They serve an important purpose, but are best digested like Belgian chocolates … in small bits. Even a short hiatus from the psychology aisle of the bookstore can reduce the static that may prevent you from arriving at your own truth. I’ll always remember the session with my doctor 12 years ago when she strongly urged me to stay clear of books that make lofty assertions: 10 Days to a New Brain, Eliminate Anxiety Forever and Become a Secure Human Being In Your Sleep. Their simple directives hook you into a false promise tha...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Inspiration & Hope Mental Health and Wellness Mindfulness Motivation and Inspiration Self-Help Mindfuless-Based Stress Reduction Personal Growth Present Moment Source Type: blogs