What would Aunty say
A cultural and humorous cognitive reframing tool to outsmart negative thoughts.
Watch Aunty/Elder while you fill out the tool:
1. Hear the Thought
When a negative thought shows up – “I’m not good enough,” “Everyone’s judging me,” “I can’t do this” – take a breath. Don’t argue yet. Acknowledge it by saying: “Okay, I hear you, Little Voice… but let’s see what Aunty would say.”
2. Call in the Aunty (or Elder)
Imagine your Auntie, Kokum, or that one Elder who always has no filter and all the wisdom. When a negative thought pops up, pause and ask: “What would Aunty say if she heard me talk like that?”
Examples:
| Negative Thought | What Aunty Would Say |
|---|---|
| “I'm not good enough.” | “Girl, you better stop talking nonsense before I smudge your attitude.” |
| “I can't do this.” | “Can't never cooked supper – now go try.” |
| “Nobody likes me.” | “Nobody? Even your dog's looking at you like, ‘really?’” |
| “I'll never get better.” | “You said the same thing about your bannock, and look at you now – golden brown.” |
Your turn – what would Aunty say to your thoughts?
Write a few automatic negative thoughts in the left column, then answer with your funniest, kindest “Aunty response” on the right.
Tip: you can print this tool or reopen it on the same device – it will try to remember what you wrote.
3. Flip It with Wisdom
Reflect on the lesson or teaching Aunty is giving you. What is the deeper wisdom?
- “Keep trying – small steps count.”
- “Be kind to yourself.”
- “Stop feeding the worry; it’s full already.”
4. What Can I Do When These Thoughts Show Up?
Now that you’ve heard Aunty’s voice, decide what you will do or tell yourself the next time an automatic negative thought pops up. This is your grounding and coping plan.
Quick coping ideas – tap to add them:
Cultural grounding – tap to add:
You can mix your own ideas with the buttons above. This box will try to remember what you wrote on this device.
Bonus: Elder’s Edition
For those who connect more with a calm, gentle presence: imagine your Elder sitting beside you. Would they judge you – or remind you that healing takes time? What would they say?
“The Creator didn’t rush the sunrise – don’t rush your healing.”
Closing Thought
Sometimes your mind’s loud. That’s okay. Just remember – listen to Aunty. She’s been through worse and still laughs louder than anyone.