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People tend to remember negative words more than
their positive counterparts.
From a psychological
standpoint, this is referred to
as the negative bias – where people gravitate
towards negative information even if something positive is equally or more
present. Eventually, these words evolve
into internal voices that induce doubt, anxiety, panic, and other unpleasant
emotions that keep a person from living her most authentic self.
While having negative thoughts circling the mind is natural, it also tends to erode one’s own self-esteem, eventually affecting one’s ability to function properly. Acknowledging them when they surface is an ideal first step towards shutting them down.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, here’s a list of the most common intrusive thoughts that most women deal with:
1. I don’t fit here!
Growing up has people searching for the best social
circle to fit in, but sometimes there are children who seem to have their own
personal problems and suddenly decide that other kids are not up to their
standards. They end up teasing their peers for their physical characteristics,
mannerisms, what they brought to lunch, or whatever minute detail that comes to
mind.
This social trauma often manifests later in
adulthood which makes one avoid meeting new people for fear of being judged or
simply not fitting in. This is not your voice; it’s from that childhood
bully.
2. I can’t do it!
Remember in your younger years when you wanted to try
out for the school varsity, and your guardian immediately said no, because
you’re just a girl? That memory may later manifest into hesitation to try out
experiences and assert oneself, especially in activities that are traditionally
dominated by men.
Having the need for validation to do something can
pull you from exploring what life has to offer. This is not your voice, it’s
from that guardian.
3. I am not enough!
It’s hard enough to juggle relationships, family,
and personal goals, more so if you’re a woman. You encounter voices from all
fronts, telling you you’re not enough as a mom, not enough as a wife. This is
more prevalent at work, with voices telling you you’re not enough as an
employee – pushing you to work harder than your male counterparts.
When others disregard your efforts in whatever you
do, it lowers your sense of accomplishments, more especially if it’s being done
in a team setting. This is not your voice, it’s from those colleagues.
4. I’m too fat/too thin!
While some family gatherings present an opportunity
to reconnect with relatives, there’s always that one nosy relative who always
has an opinion on your personal life—most especially how much weight you have
lost or gained.
Regardless of whether it is true or not, the tumataba
ka comment is something most women dread because it’s pointing out
something that a woman already knows but can’t change in a snap. Soon, this
turns into an insecurity, affecting how she carries herself. This is not your
voice, it’s from that tita.
5. I can’t be happy on my own!
Ending a romantic relationship unravels a whole lot
of emotions. Sometimes it’s best for both people involved, especially if there
are irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately, there are exes who are so full
of themselves that they will say you can’t be happy without them; that being
alone will get to you eventually.
Being single or in a relationship should have nothing
to do with a woman’s self-love. And when someone tells you that being alone
will damage you more, don’t listen to that. This is not your voice, it’s from that
ex.
I Do Me
Whenever these voices cloud your thoughts, it pays
to remember that these voices are not yours—they are from those whose opinions
should not have any bearing on your worth.
Avon celebrates International Women’s Day by reminding
women that they always have the power to silence these intrusive voices and
when they do, they can find their own voice – the one that will make her love
herself and empower her to achieve greatness.
As the brand that continues to stand for women for
over 135 years, Avon encourages women to build their confidence and say “Let me be. You do you and I’ll do me”.
Nothing should hold you back from achieving your full potential—not society, not your social media feed, and most especially not what these voices might say.
Avon as a brand and through its products,
encourages women to silence the negativity to grow and flourish. Because women
owe it to themselves to bloom where they are planted.
Follow Avon Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to learn how women are shutting out negative voices as they assert
their worth.
# # #
About
Avon
Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135
years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to
transform lives for the better. Millions of independent
sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their
social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or
part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in
listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter and creating
positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated over
$1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon
is part of the Natura &Co Group. Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
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