What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?
As a restless person, negative thoughts are my natural enemy. They swarm anytime my mind begins to race, and it makes it extraordinarily difficult to get anything done.
Over time, I have tried all kinds of remedies for negative thoughts: breathing techniques, meditations, therapy, you name it. But the best advice I ever got for negative thoughts came from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Imagine a good friend, your best friend if you can.
What would they say to you in response to your negative thoughts?
Sounds simple and stupid, I know. But bear with me and give it a try.
If you think you are stupid or incapable or that you’ve made too many mistakes, how would that good friend respond?
Would they say everyone makes mistakes? Would they encourage you to be kind to yourself because you are smart and very capable?
That good friend is like Jimminy Cricket on your shoulder, reminding you of truths you have temporarily forgotten.
You are not a failure. You messed up and can always improve.
You are not doomed to loneliness. Someone out there cares for you deeply and you have time to meet more people like them.
You are not useless. Remember all the things you’ve already done? You have been super helpful and useful to many people, even in ways you do not realize.
If you think of a specific person, the responses will be even more specific and even more helpful than this. Each negative thought will be unwound by a positive truth from someone you care about who also cares about you.
It’s all about beginning to create self compassion through the lens of a caring friend.
Try it. You may be surprised at how effective this is. Positive truth is powerful to combat negative thoughts. It is a battlefield out there, so don’t forget to armor up.
What have you tried to fight off negative thoughts?
How can you use truth as a shield against the negative onslaught?
Arishama
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