Locked Into Negative Thinking
Sometimes, it can be easy to see the world as a 2-dimensional space. Of course, everything we view is easily interpreted to us when we are able to understand it. We understand everything that we see typically by associating information from a previous experience. This is why some of us are stubborn in the face of new evidence. The evidence of a new experience may contradict what we previously “know” about a situation. The older we become, the easier it is to be stubborn due to the convenience of “understanding” something easily.
Being stubborn is not the only problem that comes from associating events with previous experiences. When we have bad and painful experiences, we may run the risk of feeling like we are still in danger, even after the moment has a past. Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by an inability to move beyond a specific tragic event. Recovery from such an event takes time, patience, and healing.
If we find ourselves unable to shake off negative thinking, then we need to allow ourselves some space to breath. It may feel like the busy pursuits of everyday are inhibiting us from finding the time to do so. However, those goals are going to be less effectively pursued if we have a mind that is in a state of stress and negativity. If we’re motivated by what we fear more than what we can gain, then it’s time for a paradigm shift.
It may feel unfair when we have to spend “extra” time to get ourselves to a calm place, unlearn wrong things, and learn a better way of thinking. However, everyone goes through the process of development. It may be easy to feel jealousy towards those who appear effortlessly happy. However, we don’t know if that happiness came at the expense of a lot of effort, trials, and difficulty. Or, perhaps they just haven’t been pushed into a difficult enough situation, and have yet to still become a stronger person when the time comes.
When we’re locked into negative thinking, it’s important make positive changes for the sake of feeling better, not for the sake of obligation. Added stress, by thinking, “I have to do this, or I’m a bad person” does not get effective results. Thinking “I’d like to eat healthier, get more sleep and pursuit what I’m passionate about because it makes feel happier and better” is a much mindset to be working from.
When we pursuit our goals and dreams, we become happier. When we choose to live in accordance with a set of morals, we’re at peace. When we respect and forgive others, we are more easily able to extend those same kindnesses to ourselves. Getting a life of positivity isn’t complex, but it takes persistence, dedication, and hard work.
For further related reading, please check out: Success.
