Our experience in life is made up of stories. The stories other people tell us, the stories we see around us, and most of all, the stories we tell ourselves.

Some of the stories are good and healthy. But many are not. And of the unhealthy ones, many are also false.

“I’m bad at math.” “I’m too hyper.” “I talk too much.” “I don’t work hard enough.” These are some of the negative stories I've told myself over the years. 

In the spirit of spring and new beginnings -- “I know it’s coming! I saw the newborn flowers”, to quote one of my kindergarten friends -- let’s make a new habit.

Pick one negative story that you tell yourself. Write it down.

Now, what is a positive version of that statement? For example:

• I’m bad at math > I do well when I double-check my work.
• I’m too hyper > I’m full of creative energy.
• I talk too much > I have a lot of interesting ideas and I love to share them with people.
• I don’t work hard enough > The expectations on me are high, and I need to take care of myself in order to do my job well (thanks Kivi!).

Turn the paper over, and write the positive version of your statement on the other side. Do a warrior pose, because it's an empowering posture, and say the positive statement out loud! Three times!

For the rest of the day, try to catch yourself saying the negative story, and instead, tell the positive version. Do this again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Before you know it, you’ll be telling the positive story automatically, and feeling better about yourself. :)