00:00How often do you catch yourself saying things in your head you'd never say to your best mate?
00:04If you're like me, your inner voice can be a bit of a bully sometimes pointing out mistakes,
00:10doubting your choices, beating you up for not being perfect.
00:13But here's the thing, the way you speak to yourself matters.
00:17It shapes your confidence, your happiness, even the way you take on the world.
00:21Imagine if you flipped the script, what if instead of tearing yourself down, you cheered yourself on?
00:27Today I want to show you how to become your own best friend, starting with your self-talk.
00:32First, notice your inner voice.
00:35You don't have to judge it, just listen for a moment.
00:37What's it saying?
00:38When you make a mistake, does it shout, you're useless?
00:41Or does it say, that's okay, everyone slips up sometimes?
00:44Psychologists call this self-compassion, and it's not about ignoring your flaws or pretending you're perfect.
00:50It's about treating yourself with the same kindness you'd offer someone you love.
00:54Here's a trick from cognitive behavioral therapy.
00:57When your inner critic pipes up, ask, would I say this to a close friend?
01:01If the answer's no, it's time for a new script.
01:04Try this.
01:05Replace, I'm so rubbish at this with I'm learning and that's enough.
01:08Or swap, I always mess up for I'm making progress one step at a time.
01:13Affirmations can sound cheesy, but done right, they're powerful little nudges that rewire your brain.
01:18Say them out loud, write them down, stick them on your fridge, whatever works.
01:22Start with, I am worthy of love, just as I am.
01:26Or I choose to believe in myself today.
01:28But self-love isn't about ego.
01:30It's about respect.
01:32It's about recognizing your worth, even on days you feel low.
01:35A daily self-compassion ritual can make all the difference.
01:39Maybe it's a few deep breaths before bed,
01:41a short journal entry, or simply looking in the mirror and saying, I'm proud of you.
01:45And if you ever slip up, don't sweat it.
01:48Growth isn't linear.
01:50The real win is catching yourself and gently bringing your thoughts back to kindness.
01:54The truth is, you're with yourself for life.
01:58You can't always control what others say or do, but you can choose to be on your own side.
02:03So next time your inner critic gets loud, pause, breathe, and speak to yourself like someone you love.
02:09You might just find that being your own best friend changes everything.
02:12If this message hit home, give it a like, drop your thoughts in the comments,
02:17and subscribe for more weekly boosts of self-worth.
02:20Remember, you deserve your own kindness.
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