You should tell yourself frequently 'I will only react to

Hear the wisdom of Jane Roberts, who counseled: “You should tell yourself frequently, ‘I will only react to constructive suggestions.’ This gives you positive ammunition against your own negative thoughts and those of others.” In this declaration lies a shield for the human soul, a way of walking through a world filled with voices—some helpful, some harmful, and some belonging to the echo of our own minds. She reminds us that we are not powerless before these voices. We may choose to give ear only to what builds us, and to let fall aside what seeks only to wound.

For the mind is a battlefield. From within rise whispers of doubt, fear, and failure, and from without come judgments, criticisms, and scorn. If we heed them all, we are quickly crushed beneath their weight. But Roberts offers us a weapon: to take only constructive suggestions, those words that guide, refine, and strengthen, and to discard all else. This is the discipline of discernment. It transforms the spirit from a victim of negativity into a warrior who selects carefully what thoughts to embrace.

Consider the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, who endured relentless criticism during her years as First Lady. She was told she was too outspoken, too visible, too independent. Yet she did not allow these negative thoughts of others to break her. Instead, she focused only on counsel that was constructive, that helped her better serve the nation and the causes she held dear. It was this discipline that allowed her to become one of the most admired women of her age, remembered for courage and compassion rather than for bending beneath reproach.

So too in the journey of Thomas Edison, whose inventions were preceded by countless failures. Critics called him foolish, dream-stricken, a waster of time and resources. Yet he did not allow these negative voices to decide his destiny. He listened only to ideas that refined his work, to suggestions that could help him improve. By arming himself with this positive ammunition, he endured ridicule until the world was lit by the lamp he created.

The meaning of Roberts’ words is clear: we cannot always control what others say, nor silence the shadows within our own minds. But we can choose how we respond. To react only to constructive suggestions is to train the heart in wisdom. It is to say, “If this word strengthens me, I will take it. If it weakens me, I will let it pass.” In this choice lies freedom. For no insult can destroy you if you do not take it into your soul, and no shadow can dominate you if you flood your mind with light.

The lesson for us is this: be the gatekeeper of your own mind. Let no thought, whether born within or spoken by another, enter unless it builds, guides, or heals. If it is destructive, cast it aside. If it is constructive, embrace it and grow. This is not arrogance, but wisdom, for even correction and critique may be life-giving when they are born of truth and love. The key is discernment, the ability to tell the difference, and the courage to choose rightly.

Practical wisdom calls us to three acts. First, practice self-talk that affirms Roberts’ counsel: remind yourself daily, “I will only react to what is constructive.” Second, when criticism comes, pause and ask: “Does this help me grow, or does it seek only to harm?” Third, when you find yourself criticizing others, strive to offer only constructive suggestions, for in giving them, you train yourself also to receive them. Thus, the cycle of positivity strengthens not only yourself but the world around you.

So let it be remembered: every day brings a flood of voices, but only some are worth heeding. Positive ammunition is not the denial of negativity, but the choice to let only what is useful enter your heart. Jane Roberts’ words are a shield and a sword for the soul: to guard against the poison of destructive thoughts, and to fight forward with the power of those truths that build us into who we are meant to become.