The Power of “I AM” – Transforming your Self-Talk

What if I told you that we could all rewrite the stories we tell ourselves? That we could choose a new path with building self-awareness and with the help of one simple exercise practiced daily?

The programs we create inside of ourselves result in our life scripts, the stories we tell ourselves, some can be empowering while others quite debilitating, but are we even aware of the power of our language?

The Power of “I AM” and Transformative Self-Talk

In my Mindful Poetic Stories Podcast, episode 5, “Self-Talk-I Am”, I invite listeners to explore the profound impact of language on our identity and mental well-being.

Whether we realise it or not, the words we use in our self-talk shape our perceptions, actions, and ultimately, our lives. This episode dives deep into how those two simple words, I AM, can either empower or limit us, depending on how we choose to use them.

The Power of the ‘I AM.’ – A Double-Edged Sword

Language, especially the words we use to describe ourselves, can be one of the most powerful tools for either growth or limitation. Our self-talk impacts our lives shaping how we see ourselves and our abilities. I share my own experiences with the spiritual phrase “Om Shanti, meaning “I Am Peace” which I first learnt in my meditation courses with the Brahma Kumaris, World Spiritual University, and how incorporating empowering language into my self-talk was a crucial part of my journey toward self-discovery, healing and reconnecting to the true me.

“The words we repeat to ourselves aren’t just reflections of how we feel, they create the reality we live in.”

Escaping the Victim Mentality

One of the key themes in this episode is how many of us unconsciously fall into a victim mentality. From an early age, we absorb stories and beliefs from our families, schools, and environments that shape how we perceive ourselves. I explore how negative self-talk can trap us in limiting beliefs, convincing us that we are powerless.

I share my own personal journey growing up in Ireland, reflecting on how school labels like “not brainy” or “not creative” influenced my identity. However, thankfully through my coaching journey and self-awareness and reprogramming my internal dialogue, I broke free from these disempowering labels, realising they weren’t, in any way, a true reflection of my abilities.

Power of Language Across Cultures

“Would you agree that we are living in a world where we are disconnected from ourselves? Disconnected from the true ‘I AM’?”

Working on my own language over the last few years has been super powerful in my transformation process and reconnecting to the true me (I love exploring how different languages frame self-identity). In the English language we use the “I Am”, (verb, ‘to be’) in a lot of fleeting states of being, like ‘I am hungry’, ‘I am thirsty’. However, in other languages I have learnt, like Irish and Spanish, the literal translation is ‘I have hunger’, ‘I have thirst’. This insight adds a layer of mindfulness to how we can choose to speak about ourselves and others, highlighting that language isn’t just a mode of communication but also a powerful tool for self-definition.

Intelligence Beyond Academics

Growing up I only knew to associate the word intelligence with intellectual intelligence. However, more recently I became aware of how the definition of “intelligence” goes beyond traditional academic measures, and this has been interesting for me to explore. I now share my understanding of other various forms of intelligence: emotional, positive, creative, and more. I believe when we expand our definition of intelligence, and understand the power of words, we unlock a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Key Takeaways:

• Our perceptions often come from external influences and do not always accurately reflect who we truly are.
• The language we use in our self-talk is a crucial tool for shaping our identity.
• Everyone has hidden potential that can be revealed through self-awareness and positive, empowering language.
• Intelligence is not just academic; exploring emotional, creative, and spiritual intelligence can open the door to a richer life experience.

Journal Prompt: Rewriting Your Story

I encourage you to use your journal to reflect on the “I AM” labels you regularly tell yourself and ask yourself:
• Is this label truly reflective of who I am today?
• How does this belief affect my self-image and behaviour?
• Is it time to rewrite this label into something more empowering?

This simple yet profound practice of self-reflection can help you discard old narratives that no longer serve you, creating space for growth and self-acceptance.

What if the most important voice you could change… is your own?

Tune in to my Mindful Poetic Stories Podcast Episode 5 to find out more.