A Gift to Self
The festive season has a way of bringing out the best in us but also some of the more challenging parts. As the season comes alive with gatherings, shopping, decorations, and endless to-do lists, it can sometimes unleash havoc on our self-talk. Maybe it’s the stress of trying to get everything perfect, picking the right present, managing time, or feeling unprepared.
It might also be the extra pressure of reflecting on the year gone by—thinking about everything you hoped to accomplish or what you could have done differently. This kind of pressure can slip into our self-talk without us even noticing, making the festive season feel less joyous.
But how might it feel if you decided to silence your inner critic and speak to yourself in a positive, uplifting way—without harsh judgments or heavy expectations? What if you chose to be your own cheerleader?
Talk to Yourself the Way You’d Talk to Someone You Love
What if you allowed your self-talk to reflect compassion rather than criticism? What if, each morning, you started with a clear intention to be loving and kind to yourself? And as the day gets busy, you could remind yourself to breathe, relax, and say, “I am doing my best, and my best is more than enough.” These words may sound simple but they can shift your energy, inviting peace rather than tension.
And when moments get stressful, whether waiting in a long queue or dealing with a tricky family dynamic your self-talk can be your greatest ally. Take a deep breath and whisper to yourself, “I meet each moment with a calm, open heart,” or “I choose to respond with love and joy.”
The key is to practice this self-talk without expectation or judgment and to notice how it feels to consciously respond instead of reacting. Self-talk is not just about how we speak to ourselves but also about the energy we bring into the room. Have you noticed how the way you treat yourself affects those around you? When you are harsh on yourself, you’re probably harsh on others too. But when you’re loving, gentle, and kind to yourself, it’s easier to extend that same kindness to your partner, children, friends, colleagues, and even strangers at the shopping centre.
If you find yourself slipping into old patterns, which you probably will, don’t worry, just simply notice without judging and gently redirect your inner talk back to kindness. I invite you to try this way of being as we move deeper into this festive season because it is powerful.
Imagine that your inner voice is the most important gift you’ll unwrap. Treat your thoughts as if they are precious. Talk to yourself how you would talk to someone you love, full of understanding and encouragement and then you are likely to feel more spacious inside, and your days will move with less tension. This gentle self-talk isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending things are perfect, it’s about offering yourself steady and genuine support. And this may be the most beautiful gift you could give yourself this festive season.
Warmest wishes from all of us at My Vida. May your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and gentle kindness to yourself and others.
