Self-talk can conquer destructive criticisms-Africa 1 Media’s Cynthia Quarcoo

Cynthia Quarcoo, founder of the professional creative arts advisory and management firm Africa 1 Media, has admonished that one can overcome feelings of worthlessness only if they replace negative criticisms from others with a positive self-talk of what they want to achieve in life.
She shared this advice as a guest on the Y Leaderboard Series with YFM’s Rev. Erskine.
“Words are important. The words people speak about you are important. The words that you speak about yourself are even more important. Many of us have many excuses and it’s valid because we feel that society, family and people have not been fair to us. Some may have said things about us and it keeps ringing in our ears.
Change the narrative. I have had times when I have had to use words of affirmation to change the negative affirmations that I have had in my mind about something. Whether it is using the Bible or picking some strength, I find that repeating those things to myself is helpful. I find that I can literally stand in front of the mirror and I do this with my children sometimes when they go to school and they are bullied. Speak to yourself. There is so much power in saying things to yourself and believing it and it will change that”.
Cynthia was of the view that many times when society judges others, it is because society unknowingly failed these people. Giving an example to support her point, she noted that she finds it surprising when society judges “the so-called slay queens and women who are out there on Instagram” as we may not know what difficult situations these women find themselves in. Similarly, she observes that some women who engage in prostitution may not have done so if they were presented with certain opportunities.
Meanwhile Cynthia advises that beyond engaging in positive self-talk, we must take action to get to our dreams.
“No matter where you find yourself, push yourself. Keep believing inside. Reach out to people if you have to. Take baby steps. Know that wherever you are now is contributing to what you are doing. It is about believing more in yourself; asserting that you can make it”, she said.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah