What Are Your Emotions Telling You?

(How to Detect & Protect Against Toxic Thinking)

Last week we covered the topic of the importance of thinking positively. Buddha shared the truth that: “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world.”

Positive thinking is more than optimism; it means deliberately choosing to seek the good in all circumstances, recognizing that our thoughts play a major role in shaping our reality. However, how does one continue to stay positive in the face of adversity? Sometimes overcoming negative thoughts can seem more daunting than scaling a mountain. The good news is that we have our emotions, that act the same way an indicator light on our car dashboard would act to alert us something is wrong.

When we are feeling badly, it’s an indication we’re thinking badly. When we’re feeling great, it’s an indication we’re thinking thoughts that are making us feel great. Katie Byron, author of Loving What Is shared: "Whenever we experience a stressful feeling-- anything from mild discomfort to intense sorrow, rage, or despair-- we can be certain that there is a specific thought causing our reaction, whether or not we are conscious of it. The way to end our stress is to investigate the thinking that lies behind it."

The Greek Philosopher Epictetus proclaimed this truth by saying, "We are disturbed not by what happens to us, but our thoughts about what happens." Once again affirming the fact that the quality of our life is dependent upon the quality of our thoughts.

With that being said, I’d like to share some tried, tested, and true way to stop negative thinking in its tracks, and kick it to the curb. For good. Here are a few simple ways you can begin to think more positively, and as a result, have a much more positive life:

1. Recognize negative thoughts when they first arise and choose not to “feed” them by allowing the thought to continue, or giving it any of your energy or emotion. Get to the root cause of your negative feelings by examining what thoughts are making you feel that way. Then seek consolation from a trusted friend, or journal about it to help release those emotions.

2. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Mentally and verbally proclaiming things like: “I am lovable, I am worthy, I am strong, and I am successful” is a powerful way to remind yourself of the truth, and to re-program your brain into thinking more positively.

3. Make a daily gratitude list composed of 3 new things a day that you are grateful for. Consistently focus on life’s blessings, not the lack, and that is what you’ll begin to see more of.

4. Keep your life vision alive. Take some time each day to imagine what your ideal life would be like. See it as attainable. Feel the feelings as if it were already yours. Without vision, people perish. Remember to “keep your dreams alive. Understand [that] to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe” (Gail Devers).

I hope those tips helped. I wish you all a wonderful week and the best in your positive thinking endeavors!