🌿 Sticks & Stones… But What About the Words We Say to Ourselves?

We’ve all heard the saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”

But let’s be honest… that’s not true.

Words can linger. They echo. They shape how we see ourselves.

I can still remember things that were said to me years ago — and I’d guess you can too.

But here’s the deeper question:

👉 Have you ever really listened to the way you talk to yourself?

The Voice in Your Head

Maybe it sounds like this:

• “This will never work.”

• “I can’t believe you’re trying this again.”

• “You failed last time… you’ll fail again.”

• “You always waste money on things that don’t last.”

• “How do you know this time will be any different?”

It’s harsh. It’s discouraging. And yet… it can feel normal.

Why Do We Talk to Ourselves This Way?

Somewhere along the way, this kind of thinking becomes a habit.

We start to believe:

• we’re protecting ourselves

• we’re being “realistic”

• we’re avoiding disappointment

But in reality?

👉 We’re reinforcing the very patterns we want to break.

As Jim Kwik says:

“When you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.”

The Power of Labels

Pay attention to the labels you use:

• “I’m a snacker.”

• “I have no self-control.”

• “I’m an overeater.”

• “I can never save money.”

• “I’m just not disciplined.”

Would you say those things to someone you care about?

Probably not.

So why say them to yourself?

Because here’s the truth:

👉 What you repeatedly tell yourself becomes what you believe.

Words Matter More Than We Think

Proverbs 18:21 says:

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

That applies not just to what we say to others…but to what we say to ourselves.

Your words can:

• shut you down

• keep you stuck

• or move you forward

A Different Way Forward

What if, instead of labeling yourself…you got curious?

Instead of: “I always mess this up.”

Try: “What can I learn from this?”

Instead of: "I have no self-control.”

Try:

“What would help me make a better choice next time?”

This isn’t about pretending everything is perfect.

It’s about shifting from judgment → to awareness → to growth.

Final Thought

You’re not stuck because you’ve failed.

You might be stuck because of the story you keep telling yourself.

And the good news?

👉 That story can change.