Thank you for this. It’s a powerful reminder that the weight we carry isn’t always visible — and often, it’s the thoughts we permit (or fail to challenge) that weigh the most.
Do I often speak negatively?
Yes, more often than I’d like to admit — though less than I used to. It’s usually subtle, disguised as "being realistic" or "setting low expectations." But it’s still the same poison, just dressed up.
Does it affect me negatively?
Absolutely. It’s like invisible sandbags tied to my ankles. It doesn’t just slow me down — it makes the entire journey feel heavier, lonelier, more exhausting than it needs to be. And even though I logically know better, the old scripts can still hijack the moment if I’m not paying attention.
Your reminder to stand guard at the gate — to challenge, replace, and rebuild those thoughts — hit deep today. One thought at a time really is how everything changes.
I love the image you painted, Matt... invisible sandbags tied to our ankles, the unseen weight we carry around often slows our steps down unconsciously.
And you’re right, even when we know better, those old scripts can slip in quietly if we’re not standing watch.
One thought at a time, one small shift at a time, that’s how we lighten the load.
This free loading mental roommate is annoying! ;) Thank you for listing the ways we can change our inner tyrant voice. I am printing this and putting it above my computer.
Thought is the very foundation of how we feel & act. I think best way to replace negative talk is 1) replace it with positive response (the process you explained & 2) proving the negative talk wrong with strong courageous action.
Hi Moon,
Thank you for this. It’s a powerful reminder that the weight we carry isn’t always visible — and often, it’s the thoughts we permit (or fail to challenge) that weigh the most.
Do I often speak negatively?
Yes, more often than I’d like to admit — though less than I used to. It’s usually subtle, disguised as "being realistic" or "setting low expectations." But it’s still the same poison, just dressed up.
Does it affect me negatively?
Absolutely. It’s like invisible sandbags tied to my ankles. It doesn’t just slow me down — it makes the entire journey feel heavier, lonelier, more exhausting than it needs to be. And even though I logically know better, the old scripts can still hijack the moment if I’m not paying attention.
Your reminder to stand guard at the gate — to challenge, replace, and rebuild those thoughts — hit deep today. One thought at a time really is how everything changes.
Thank you for writing this.
– Matt
I love the image you painted, Matt... invisible sandbags tied to our ankles, the unseen weight we carry around often slows our steps down unconsciously.
And you’re right, even when we know better, those old scripts can slip in quietly if we’re not standing watch.
One thought at a time, one small shift at a time, that’s how we lighten the load.
Grateful we’re walking this journey together.
This free loading mental roommate is annoying! ;) Thank you for listing the ways we can change our inner tyrant voice. I am printing this and putting it above my computer.
LOL, I had a good laugh over your phrase "free loading mental roommate" 😂, how apt!
I'm honoured that you found the list helpful enough to print and keep nearby.
Jennifer, let's evict this roommate !
A beautifully structured piece, Moon!
Appreciate how you didn't just highlight the problem, but also gave a clear roadmap to rebuild healthier self-talk.
Really liked "guard the gate" metaphor. It's such a vivid way to frame the daily effort of protecting and shaping our inner dialogue.
Thanks for noticing both the structure and the intent behind it.
Guarding the gate has been a life-changing concept for me too, it reminds me daily that tending to my inner world is an active, ongoing choice.
I'm grateful it resonated with you as well Nik!
Thought is the very foundation of how we feel & act. I think best way to replace negative talk is 1) replace it with positive response (the process you explained & 2) proving the negative talk wrong with strong courageous action.