From time to time, all of us get stuck in stinkin’ thinkin’ that gets in the way of who we want to be. Sometimes, it’s in the moment. Other times, those negative thoughts linger, causing us to feel like there’s no way out.

When that happens to me, I remember something my parents taught me when I was growing up: it’s a simple, catchy, and easy-to-remember way to reset our thoughts, to push out that negative mindset, and get unstuck.

It’s called ‘Cancel Cancel,’ and it really works!

I grew up with ‘Cancel Cancel’ in every aspect of my life. When my mom or dad heard me say something like, “Ugh! I can’t believe I was so stupid!” They would come back with: “Cancel cancel, you’re smart!”

They were so good about using this to help me redirect negative thoughts and affirm who I really was, that I began to do it too. I’m so grateful, because, even today, that stinkin’ thinkin’ still creeps in. Something will happen, I will make a mistake, miss a commitment, or fail… Then, in my head, I hear: “How could you be so dumb!” or “What’s wrong with you, Trish!”

Yep, it’s still there. And it’s not alone. On the other side of those negative words is, ‘Cancel cancel!’ It still works as well as it did when I was younger. I’m able to refocus, get unstuck, and be who I want to be in that moment.

So, here’s my invitation for you today:

Listen for some of the stinkin’ thinkin’ you hear around you. Listen to your family, friends, and coworkers, people at the store or restaurant, wherever you find yourself. Become more aware of what they are saying… and of what you are saying to yourself.

“Oh, I can’t believe I’m so stupid!”

“I’m so dumb!”

“What’s wrong with me?”

“I’m an idiot!”

You may have been saying some of those things to yourself your whole life. Whatever those words may be, try this today: When they come bubbling up, ‘Cancel cancel!’

It’s kinda cool. It’s kinda catchy too. Try it out, see how it goes, and let me know what happens.