Bright Pink Lipstick
By Laura Gray
I love myself. I speak these words, out loud, each morning. In fact, a few months ago I wrote on my bathroom mirror “I (heart) Me!” in bright pink lipstick. Research has shown that the majority of our self-talk is negative and therefore, is working against us rather than for us (Helmstetter, 1982; Stranulis & Manning, 2002). Consequently, positive energy and positive self-talk must begin with you. It is imperative to retrain your brain to be your best friend. The critical choir in your head that you have permitted to perform… kick them out now! Drop the mic and draw the curtain.
Self-care is not selfish. It’s love. Love for oneself. After surviving years of abuse as a child and calling myself “a stupid, fat, ugly idiot”, I have learned that, in reality, I am none of those things. I am kind, compassionate, smart, and worthy of every single breath I take. If you become what you speak, then you must choose words of love and kindness and repeat them out loud. Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
Increased life span
Lower rates of depression
Lower levels of distress
Greater resistance to the common cold
Better psychological and physical well-being
Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
Begin tomorrow and wake up to love yourself. Make it a part of your routine just like brushing your teeth. Soon, this new pattern of empowering self-talk will extend throughout the rest of your day.
I really love myself and am reminded of that each morning when I look in my mirror. Thanks to a little help from my bright pink lipstick.
About the Author
Laura Gray is a proud mom of three sons and three dogs. She is the Founder/Executive Director of IPride, a self-esteem program for youth based on meditation, mindfulness, fitness and creative expression. Additionally, she is a published author and certified personal trainer and lives by the mantra "Who can I help today?"
