What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of Positive Self-Talk
Many people are used to showing compassion to others. What many of us have trouble with is showing that same compassion to ourselves. Licensed marriage and family therapist Kim Fredrickson wants readers to stop beating themselves up. Grounding her advice in the Bible, she offers practical steps, specific exercises, and compassionate words to say in order to build a loving relationship with ourselves. Through inspiring stories of transformation, she helps us learn to show ourselves the kind of grace and understanding we offer to others--and to change our relationships, our outlook on life, and our view of ourselves in the process.
- GenresSelf Help
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 28, 2020
Currently reading this book but I just couldn't wait to right a review!!! Oh my God. This book has taught me so much about myself. The way I am and the way I was raised. My actions and reactions make perfect since now. You just have to read this book to get what I'm talking about. Seriously the best book I have ever read. So so helpful. I can't wait to finish it. But then again I don't want it's teachings to end!
October 9, 2025
So, hi. My name is Sally (Hi, Sally), and I have always had trouble with talking gently to myself. Seriously, based on my inner monologue, you would think that I'm a horrible, horrible person rather than a very human person who sometimes says horrible things in spite of her best efforts not to.
My life coach suggested learning about self-compassion so I picked up this book as reinforcement to her wise words and resources. I didn't realize when I bought it--or I forgot between buying the book and actually reading it--that Fredrickson justifies her advice with scripture. That said, she does so remarkably well and from the position of God as benevolent Father. Truly, this is a book about compassion for self and compassion for others.
May everyone learn this lesson long before I did: if you are hard on yourself, you will be hard on other people, particularly those you love the most. I foolishly thought that I had to be hard on myself to get anything done (thanks, ADHD) and even more foolishly thought that I could be hard on myself while still being good to others. Nope. Pretty much any hurtful thing I've ever done or said has stemmed from my own feelings of inadequacy. A heartfelt apology now and always to anyone who's been the recipient of my sharp words or judgement. I have always been even sharper with and more judgmental of myself, but that's no real excuse. This book is one of many resources that is trying to teach me to forgive myself and to be gentler with myself. As Fredrickson points out more than once, God does not expect us to go through life without making mistakes. If, however, we spend all of our time beating ourselves up, then we won't learn what we can from those mistakes so we can do better in the future.
TLDR: I'm sorry. I'm working on me. While about self-compassion, this book does include biblical principles which may or may not be what readers are looking for.
My life coach suggested learning about self-compassion so I picked up this book as reinforcement to her wise words and resources. I didn't realize when I bought it--or I forgot between buying the book and actually reading it--that Fredrickson justifies her advice with scripture. That said, she does so remarkably well and from the position of God as benevolent Father. Truly, this is a book about compassion for self and compassion for others.
May everyone learn this lesson long before I did: if you are hard on yourself, you will be hard on other people, particularly those you love the most. I foolishly thought that I had to be hard on myself to get anything done (thanks, ADHD) and even more foolishly thought that I could be hard on myself while still being good to others. Nope. Pretty much any hurtful thing I've ever done or said has stemmed from my own feelings of inadequacy. A heartfelt apology now and always to anyone who's been the recipient of my sharp words or judgement. I have always been even sharper with and more judgmental of myself, but that's no real excuse. This book is one of many resources that is trying to teach me to forgive myself and to be gentler with myself. As Fredrickson points out more than once, God does not expect us to go through life without making mistakes. If, however, we spend all of our time beating ourselves up, then we won't learn what we can from those mistakes so we can do better in the future.
TLDR: I'm sorry. I'm working on me. While about self-compassion, this book does include biblical principles which may or may not be what readers are looking for.
July 12, 2020
Hey Sev,
How are you?
Don’t read this book - it’s boring which is why it took me so long to read!
It doesn’t cover any new ground and doesn’t explain existing ground well at all.
How are you?
Don’t read this book - it’s boring which is why it took me so long to read!
It doesn’t cover any new ground and doesn’t explain existing ground well at all.
September 26, 2020
This was the first Christian self help book I've ever read.
For first timer, I certainly caught myself in a lot of reflection and realization.
Not sure if I would read it again but it was nice for a one-timer.
For first timer, I certainly caught myself in a lot of reflection and realization.
Not sure if I would read it again but it was nice for a one-timer.
January 12, 2020
Loved this book
Ended up buying a copy. The practical tips really hit home. I am excited to start using the techniques. I recommend if you are having self esteem issues.
Ended up buying a copy. The practical tips really hit home. I am excited to start using the techniques. I recommend if you are having self esteem issues.
November 12, 2024
Ebook
February 14, 2025
Reading this did bore me but it lowkey did help me think more positive and compassionately towards myself
December 4, 2025
Worth the read. I enjoy self help books and this is a good one to have on your shelf!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews