Some of the memories you noted are pleasant and no doubt some are painful. In my thought closet, I have one book with the word roses written on it. In college the professors in our psychology department invited me to their conference room and surprised me with a bouquet of roses as a thank-you for helping with a week-long seminar. One would assume I would ooze with the graciousness that Mrs. Jolly, my wonderful, proper mother, had installed in me. But no! Instead, filled with awkward self-awareness, I wilted, mumbled a barely audible "Thank you," and quickly asked, "May I go now?" Yes, that was it---the entire conversation. Embarrassing!
At the grand age of 22, I acted like a socially awkward middle-school girl. I behaved immaturely, and I have never forgotten it! For that reason, I used to tell myself, Idiot! How could you act that way? That memory always had some pretty destructive self-talk attached to it, and I saw no profit or benefit.
Now that you've had a bleak peak into my thought closet, turn back to your own.
Remembering the "book labels" from your previous post, write what kind of self-talk you've attached to the memory.
Is what you say to yourself, especially the painful memories, destructive or constructive?
Destructive usually
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