Negative talk, whether it is interpersonal discourse or inner mental chatter, serves to weaken us and separates us from the power within. Being conscious of our inner and outer dialog, spotting occasions of negative thought patterns, and substituting them empowering phrases and vocabulary are important steps in staying in contact with our internal sources of power. Over time, I worked actively to improve the content of my discourse by switching from negative to positive talk, both in my thoughts and in conversations with other people. The effects of these efforts have been dramatically rewarding, and I have gone on to encourage my children both to abandon negative speaking and to adopt empowering vocabulary and phrases. There may be no greater gift that a parent can give children than to reinforce healthy, positive thoughts and ways of speaking. For instance, whenever I hear one of my kids saying, ". . . but, I can’t do . . . ," I rejoin with "can’t" isn’t in the Pirio vocabulary. How else might you say what you’re feeling?" Below are some suggestions on how to improve the content of one’s discourse and to tease out innate personal power. Instead of saying: You might say: I can’t I won’t or I don’t want to I’m worried about I accept this situation and intend to It’s a struggle I’m striving to I hate I am unhappy and I intend to change the situation I hope I know It’s terrible It’s a learning experience If only I had… Next time I am …. I have to I choose to Surviving Thriving Empowering Talk Exercise For a week, carry around a small notebook and pen, and when you catch yourself using negative phrases and words both in your self talk and in your speech to others, write the items down. In the evening before bedtime, I recommend creating a quiet moment to review the list that you have come up with, and write down alternative positive phrases and words that you intend to employ from now on to express a positive attitude and to enhance your sense of power. I have found it useful to team up with another person – a trusted friend or family member – in starting out on this practice. It is often easier for another person to catch us in a negative pattern of thought and expression and to bring it to our attention. When you get up the next morning, review the list of positive phrases and words and have the resolve to replace the negative words and phrases with positives ones throughout the day in all that you do. If you find this exercise useful, continue to maintain this log until you feel that you consistently transform your inner and outer talk from self-defeating chatter to empowering discourse.   The Next Excercise Acknowledging Feelings —Self-Portrait