Some of us are naturally negative thinkers. Worry, complaints, and negativity just seem flow into our heads. Despite what you may think in the past I have been known to do a bit of worrying. Actually I still do, but I’m overcoming it. So I thought I’d use this post to tell you how I’ve been getting my act together. I’m far from perfect and still find myself slipping back into worry sometimes, but when I do I have the tools to stop.
Negative thinking is natural. We all do it sometimes. Some of us do it more than others. The problem with negative thinking is the effect it has on your life and your well-being.
When I was first trying to overcome my problems with negative thinking, I read that I should replace all of my negative thoughts with positive thoughts. I tried that and on my goodness did it give me a headache. There were just too many negative thoughts in my head and attempting to replace them all with positive thoughts took up so much brain space that I was finding it difficult to do much else. The average person has 55,000 thoughts a day. Trying to manage all of those is just exhausting.
So I decided that replacing every negative thought with a positive one was just not going to work for me. Instead, I decided to take a simpler course of action, acknowledging the negative thought and then letting it go. I used to hold onto negativity with all my might. I was like a clinched fist all the time. It was so stressful, but when I decided to release those negative thoughts I could feel my body relax.
I don’t know about you, but I used to go into a negative spiral. I would hold onto and kind of riff on a negative thought for quite a while. Then I’d turn my attention to another, and then another.
Not holding onto those negative thoughts and feelings is the first step to overcoming negative thinking. There is an important second step too. This may seem a little touchy feely and new agey to you. I hate to admit it, but I’m a little touchy feely and new agey. That’s just how I roll.
As you start this practice of letting go of negative thoughts, you should also start a practice of gratitude. That’s right I said it. I promise you it won’t hurt. It won’t make you start wearing crystals and seeing auras, but it will help you remember all the reasons you have to be happy, and that certainly does improve your life.
When you get up in the morning take some time to quietly reflect on life. I like to take my dog for a walk first thing in the morning. After you’ve had some time to clear your head get out a piece of paper and write down ten things you’re thankful for. Be detailed. You’ll be doing this every morning so it’s important to be detailed. You shouldn’t try to write down different things everyday without repeating. Once you make your list fold it up, and put it in your pocket, or your purse, or whatever you carry around with you during the day. Take your list out three times during the day and read it. Don’t just skim it. Really read it and think about the things you wrote on it.
Combining these two activities, releasing your negative thoughts and gratitude, will help you think more positively in your daily life. Don’t believe me? That’s your prerogative, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try it out. Changing your thinking is the first step to changing your life, and you’re probably here because you’re ready to do just that.
Try it out for thirty days. I made a little gratitude journal to help kick start your gratitude practice. Just sign up for my mailing list below to get your free PDF gratitude journal. Take the first steps toward change. I’ll be there to cheer you on alone the way.
