Earlier I discussed Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Eat Pray Love and discussed the difference between creating a life through destiny or a life through control.  If you would like to read this article click here – www.allisonfisher.co.nz/articles.htm

This month the topic is Mind Talk and Elizabeth’s way of dealing with this.  What is Mind Talk?  Mind talk is that voice we have in our head, and we all have it no matter how positive or successful we are, the voice that is often negative, a voice that can drag us down, lower our self esteem and bite into our sense of self.   The mind talk voice may say things such as –

• You can’t do that, or
• You’re fat, or
• You didn’t do that very well.

Sometimes the mind talk can be very very subtle.  It’s been there for so long that you barely notice it but it niggles away at you.

Elizabeth Gilbert was told some very helpful information on her personal journey  -“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select what clothes you’re gonna wear every day.  This is a power you can cultivate.  If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind.   That’s the one thing you should be trying to control.“

Her advice is firstly admit to the existence of negative talk and begin to be very very aware of it, understand where the thoughts came from and why they arrived and then….. dismissing them! This does take commitment, practice and effort to let go of old grudges, stories and comforting habits.  So watch your thoughts every day, let the thoughts know you won’t tolerate these thoughts anymore.  You could create an affirmation eg “I will not allow unhealthy thoughts anymore”.

So the first step is to write down for a week all the negative thoughts that come up, then commit to change!

Enjoy the beauty of autumn