People Who Are Mentally & Emotionally Self-Aware Usually Say 5 Phrases In Casual Conversation
JulioRV | ShutterstockWhen you find yourself stuck in life wondering how you are going to make the best out of a tough situation, you've likely had moments when you've felt helpless and lost with no way out.
Terri Cole, an author and psychotherapist who specializes in relationships and boundaries, recently shared a post by illustrator Katie's Self Care Diaries and life coach Dean Stott that perfectly illustrates five phrases mentally & emotionally self-aware people say when life feels particularly challenging.
Mentally and emotionally self-aware people casually say these things:
1. 'You’ve come so far and survived other hard times — you are stronger than you think'
In theory, sure, we know we have inner strength burrowed away — but remembering this is easier said than done, right? Walden University shares some practical tips on how to train yourself to think more positively when times are tough, man:
- Notice and reframe negative thoughts
- Practice gratitude
- Be kind to yourself
- Perform good deeds for others
- Find something you can laugh about
As cliché as this all sounds, doing these things is crucial for our mental health: Negativity not only impacts our mood but also messes with our health, both mentally and physically. Be proud of yourself for even the small things you've accomplished, like — wink —reading this article to help yourself feel better.
2. 'There are lots of people grateful that you simply exist'
Feeling isolated during tough times is normal. You’re not alone in feeling this way. A lot of us have been there. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our issues and forget just how loved and important we truly are.
Although this may be the scariest thing you can think of, don't be afraid to reach out to your people. They want you to be okay, and research shows that maintaining a strong support network is linked to more positive coping skills and a healthier, longer life, so it's a win/win.
3. 'Don't allow the opinions of others to consume you'
Curated Lifestyle / Unsplash+
Wanting to impress your family and make others happy, for some, is all that matters — but people-pleasing really isn't a healthy habit. According to a 2010 study, "the opinions of others can easily affect how much we value things." It's critical to prioritize our self-love over the opinions of others.
This can apply to how much we value ourselves, too: Although you may love and respect those closest to you, they don’t understand your heart and desires as you do. Their opinions come from their value system, which can vary so widely from person to person. What's good for you might not be great for someone else, and vice versa.
4. 'Sometimes, not getting what you want can be a blessing in disguise'
Not getting what we have our hearts set on can be super frustrating. But, oftentimes, that letdown turns into something better than we could have imagined.
Embracing this positive outlook isn’t just a mood booster; it’s a game changer! Not only does it aid in our resilience, but it also brings health benefits and sharpens our focus on our long-term goals.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, "There is definitely a strong link between 'positivity' and health. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions — including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumors."
The next time life takes an unexpected turn, consider it a potential blessing in disguise that may just make the hard times a tiny bit more bearable.
5. 'Nothing lasts forever, including the way you feel right now'
Recognizing that better days lie ahead can serve as a beacon of hope during the most difficult of times. Having hope is linked to numerous benefits, like a longer life and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If that’s not convincing enough, holding onto hope is also associated with lower anxiety and depression.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Andrea Bonoir agrees, saying, "By having a more optimistic outlook, you are better able to avoid the all-or-none thinking that keeps you in the mental rut of believing that when one thing goes wrong, everything goes wrong or that things will never get better."
None of these casual phrases is anything we haven't heard before, but mentally & emotionally self-aware people make sure to say them often. Remember: You're not alone.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, and family topics.
