Transforming Negative Thoughts
Practical Tools and Tips
I wrote a while ago about becoming kind friends to ourselves and changing our inner critical voice.
I always describe thought patterns as a railroad built in your mind from the neural pathways of your thoughts. You can imagine what a fully functioning railroad running for years on automatic pilot is like running so smoothly that you don’t even notice it anymore.
We build a new railroad of thoughts through positive self-talk, creating an inner coach and challenging negative thoughts (the premise of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
How do I do this? I use affirmations.
You may be thinking here, that’s great, but affirmations, really? Let me explain.
Before I discovered positive psychology, my thought patterns were unknowingly unhealthy.
I was brought up in a way that taught me that the psychological and emotional neglect and abuse I suffered was love.
I became someone who was always seeking that kind of toxic relationship as an adult, whether it was work relationships with colleagues, friendships or romantic relationships.
I had been trained to tell myself that I was not worth anything better.
