Our minds have such a tendency to run around and drag us all over the place with them. Our thoughts jump from one thing to the next thing to the next thing in a matter of seconds. We get to the end of the day and can’t hardly seem to muster the energy to have a conversation, read a book or focus on a tv show. The mental gymnastics has done us in.
Much of what we think throughout the day is automatic. We respond automatically, and without thought, to most of the stimuli around us. We allow our thoughts to pull us whatever way they are going. What if I told you there was another way? What if I told you, that you are actually the driver, not the passenger? What would you say to that?
Changing our automatic thought patterns is not an easy business, but it is a very worthwhile business. It starts with awareness. We first have to become aware of the thoughts that drag us one way or another. We say things to ourselves all day long that we wouldn’t dare say to someone that we love. So it begs the question, do we not love ourselves enough to speak kindly to ourselves? We have such a tendency to see ourselves only in the light of our faults. We can do 99 things well but our entire focus goes to the one thing we didn’t do well. It’s unhealthy and unproductive.
Today, as you go about your day, I encourage you to write down any negative thoughts you have about yourself. Yes, write them down. Also write down any automatic responses you have. If someone says something and your automatic response is anger, write it down. And then spend some time thinking about why that made you angry. We are just scratching the surface of this practice, but this is a great place to start. Start writing down those thoughts and we will begin challenging them. Much love and healthy, productive minds sweet friends.
