The voice we hear most often throughout our lives is our own. Whether in whispers or roars, silence or resound, our self- talk is nearly constant, even when we try not to listen. Compliments, encouragement, reassurance. Insults, accusa­tions, disapproval. We sometimes do not notice the ongoing chatter inside our heads, but it is there. So beware. Self- talk may be the most perennial tool for self- inflicting toxic and diminishing thoughts. And, unfortunately, the hurtful and demeaning judg­ments seem to live on in us . . . because we continue to repeat them to ourselves. We keep our hurt alive. One word, phrase, or sentence is spoken to us, and we con­tinue repeating it to ourselves, long after the initial speaker is gone. The echoes of hurtful words have long life spans, if we allow them. Self- talk can also speak to us of kind, reassuring and strength­ening thoughts. Our self- talk can bolster us. Listen. Consider. Reconstruct. Enlist your voice to acknowledge, support, and affirm the best of you. • Beware what we tell ourselves about any given situation. We can choose our narrative. • Pay attention to the persevering voices inside us. Dismantle the destructive ones. Cultivate the strengthening ones. • Choose our inner dialogue. We have the power of choice.