Ways to Build Your Positive Language Toolbox—Part 1

Do you feel yourself falling into negative tendencies in your daily routine? It is completely natural to have some negative thoughts each day. Negative thoughts are how our mind identifies where we might have an area we would like to improve or change within our lives. It is important to view these negative thoughts like this: as a tool. Using positivity is a fantastic way to begin to navigate through the effects of negative events and thoughts.

Here are a few ways to practise positive language with yourself and others! We have used The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance written by Maehew McKay PhD, Jeffrey C. Wood PsyD, Jeffrey Brantley MD as the basis for this blog post.

How to Practice Positive Language

Positive interactions can help to strengthen relationships with yourself, coworkers, children, and almost anyone you can imagine! There are various strategies to develop the practice of positive language that can be adapted in a way that will be most beneficial to each situation. Below are a few ways that you can begin to practise positive language in your everyday life.

Self affirming statements

Self affirming statements are one great tool we can use to begin building a healthier and more positive self-image. They can remind us of the strengths we possess that give us resilience and show love to ourselves. A few examples of some self affirming statements are:

• I accept who I am

• I love myself

• Each day I do the best that I can

• I am enough

• Even though I’ve made mistakes in the past, I’m still a good person

• I embrace both my good and bad qualities

• I am proud of myself

Feel free to be creative with these statements and tune into what you think you might need to hear most at the moment, and repeat them as many times as needed. You might even like to practice the statements in front of the mirror to create a greater connection with yourself and the statements.

Do an Act of Kindness

A simple act of kindness is a great way to practise positive language and actions! It can be as simple as a smile to a stranger or calling to tell someone that you love them. Overall, this may help both you and the receiving person to feel uplifted. You might even make their day!