How can you overcome or manage negative thoughts? We can’t stop negative thoughts and sometimes it’s not so easy to let them go…
What is a negative thought? A negative thought is one that causes painful and distressing feelings.
From my own experience, there are three ways that work well in managing negative thoughts: Detach, Replace and Transform
Detach
When a negative thought comes, detach yourself from it by keeping your distance from yourself and the negative thought: See the thoughts as visitors in your mind, not as your inhabitants.
Replace
You can replace the negative thought with:
Good information about yourself.
Thoughts that remind you about your strength.
Thoughts that remind you of your willpower.
Thoughts that remind you of your good values.
Thoughts that remind you of your prayer, a mantra, or a sacred verse.
Thoughts that remind you of a role model you look up to. For example, I think of my uncle, in whom I see a strong soul. I look at the problem and imagine how my uncle would have solved that problem. This gives me clarity, intrinsic motivation, and replaces my negative thought.
Transform
Use the negative thought to drive you. Energize yourself with the negative thought. For example, ask yourself…how can you use that negative thought to your advantage?
Instead of using up your mental energy with the negative thought. Use the negative thought to your advantage to drive you into positive actions.
So…. the next time a negative thought comes, detach yourself from it, replace or transform it.
I hope this was useful. Thank you for reading my insights.
I’m the author of the empowering personal spiritual guidebook, “The Cosmic Romance with Existence,” and The Golden Halo, a free newsletter that delivers enlightening stories and poems to your inbox.
If you enjoy reading my stories and love to give your support, you can use this link to sign up for medium membership.