We can be our worst enemy. Through our self-talk, we sabotage our confidence, stifle our ability to excel, and repeat negative thoughts that lead us into the dark.
When we dwell on our shortcomings and failures, we tend to exaggerate making things much worse than what they really are. Negative statements about ourselves and what we believe others think of us, only pull us down emotionally and prevent us from succeeding. We lead our own path to depression and anxiety and become sad and irritable.
Nor does such self-talk do anything to motivate us to work harder or strive higher. It’s healthy to honestly acknowledge where we can improve, but we should do it in ways that empower. For example, rather than dwelling on how we failed to deliver a clear message in a presentation, we can review the presentation, think about what we can change, and know that we will do better next time.
We also can repeat affirmations, words that affirm positivity. Such positive thinking is empowering. I prefer those that are peaceful, compassionate, and appreciative of the good around us.
Following are a few affirmations you might want to try. You can find more information on Healthline.
My voice matters, and I do make a difference.
My heart is open. I radiate love.
My life is a gift. I appreciate everything that I have.
***Jesus’ mother understands our pain. Learn how to pray with her in our times of need. Read, Grieving with Mary. Finding Comfort and Healing in Devotion to the Mother of God.
Midwest Mary 
It is so important to think and speak kindly to ourselves. Thank you for the reminder.
Hello Mary K. Doyle
Thank you for your positive post. Affirmation and prayer are the best antidotes for depression and the confused state of mind we sometimes fall prey to. Well done for writing this post.
Interestingly I have been reading about ancient Mediterranean history that goes way back before Christ, and comes back a bit into the first thousand years after Christ.
There has been much evidence found pointing to the extreme veneration of women.
It is natural for the new early Christians to have needed a female figure to pray to and honour; and who else could that be, but Mary the mother of Jesus. However, while she was amazing to have accepted the role given to her by God through the message of Gabriel, and it is clear that Jesus loved his mother; nowhere is she elevated above her son.
To me, it is clear that she fulfilled her role and is surely in Heaven, but when we pray it should be to our heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, whom we know for a time while he walked the earth; was, in fact, God incarnate.
Emanuel the name given by Gabriel is the Hebrew “Im-anu-el” meaning “God with us.”
Wishing you all of the very best.
Mrs. Solveig McCormick
206 Stellenberg Flats
6 Protea Road
Newlands
Cape Town
Solconmc.18@outlook.com
+27 72 280 7337
Thank you for your informative comment, Mrs. McCormick.
I always pray to the Virgin Mary. I turn to Her in times of need, of suffering or of thanks 🌹🌹🌹
Me too, Luisa. I also pray to Mary.
🙏🙏🙏
Apt title, great post!
Thank you, Harshi.