I've heard it a lot lately. Someone will procrastinate and they will be disappointed that they waited so long to do something. Someone will drop or spill something and be upset that they have to clean up the mess. Maybe someone has embarrassed their self for whatever reason, and what are their responses to this? "I hate myself" or "I hate my life." I am one of the biggest offenders of this ongoing trend. These examples that I have given are just a few of the circumstances that I myself have experienced, and responded to with one of these two phrases. Why have we turned something so serious into such a joke? Maybe it sounds like a joke, but it could also be a defense mechanism. Regardless, here are five things we can say instead of putting ourselves down.
1. I could have handled that better.
Maybe you were rude to a friend, or didn't give your all at a job or assignment. This response suggests you take responsibility for your actions, and you acknowledge that you could do better. Just because we acknowledge that we have faults does not mean that we are comprised solely of them.
2. Oops!
Who said all of these responses had to be insightful? Sometimes, you're just clumsy! Spills, breaks, falls, and messes happen. Avoid trying to blame them on something bigger.
3. I shouldn't have procrastinated.
Yeah, you probably shouldn't have waited to study until the night before. However, there's nothing you can do about it now. The lack of sleep that follows your poor planning is punishment enough, don't beat yourself up any more.
4. I'm not happy with the path my life is on.
There is nothing wrong with admitting you aren't happy. It is much different than saying you hate your life. The point isn't to pretend that everything is okay. The point is to reflect on why you feel this way. When you jump to "I hate my life," it's too broad. One thing hopefully shouldn't make you hate your entire existence. You can only fix a problem you know exists. Think about why you aren't happy, and make the change.
5. I made a mistake, but I can fix it.
You made a mistake. Okay, now what? This is one of the hardest lessons that I am still trying to learn. It is easier said than done, but don't dwell on it. Focus on what you can do to move forward. Then, most importantly, do it.
