Changing our negative thoughts, and how powerful this can be
Since starting this path, I’ve been paying much more attention to the way my thoughts affect my emotions and daily life. I didn’t fully realize before how often negative thoughts can appear automatically and influence the way I see myself, my abilities, and even my future. Sometimes these thoughts are so normal and repetitive that I don’t even notice them at first, but they can slowly affect my mood, motivation, and confidence.
One thing I’ve especially noticed is how easy it is to become overly critical of myself. I sometimes catch myself thinking things like “I’m behind,” “I’m not doing enough,” or “I should be doing better.” When I stay in that mindset for too long, I start feeling more stressed, discouraged, and less productive. It becomes harder to focus on what I actually am accomplishing because my attention stays on what I think I’m lacking.
Recently, I’ve been trying to become more aware of these thoughts instead of automatically believing them. I’ve started practicing reframing them into something more balanced and compassionate. For example, instead of thinking “I’m failing,” I try to remind myself that growth takes time and that struggling doesn’t mean I’m incapable. Surprisingly, this small shift in thinking has helped me feel calmer and more motivated instead of stuck in self-criticism.
I’m realizing that positive thinking is not about pretending everything is perfect, but about learning to speak to ourselves in a healthier and more realistic way. It’s still something I’m working on, but I think becoming aware of our thoughts is already an important first step.
I’d love to hear other people’s experiences and perspectives:
What’s a negative thought you catch yourself having often?
Have you ever tried to challenge or reframe it? How did that feel?
Do you think our thoughts have a bigger impact on our lives than we sometimes realize?
I keep calling myself stupid or foolish because it's the words I heard daily but I've spent years, re-training my brain, so even after I think it.
I will counteract it with... Yea I made a mistake, I'm not perfect but I'm trying to improve and that counts for a lot.
Sometimes it does get to me and other times, I can let it wash over me. It doesn't go away but I keep working at it.
@ScrabbleBrain
You are not stupid or foolish 🩷
And I should know, I'm always right 😁💙
@Amanda84 You so are mz sweet know-it-all 😍😂
@CozyPup1
I think it's important to reframe out thoughts
And not overly concentrate on labelling things or looking up symptoms.
I find sometimes people are extremely negative and ask for help but yet every offer of help, is shot down straight away and ignored.
It's important to allow yourself to be present in your day and make the best of it as you can 🩷
@Amanda84 That's an interesting point. It's a lot easier when people are open to alternative paths than just being resigned to the easy but fake path.
Yes it takes time, No it's not easy, but the reward is inner peace and contentment..
@ScrabbleBrain
Yes, we have to be honest with our feelings and not rush our healing but we cannot refuse help completely and change nothing, because how ten, would anything change?
@Amanda84 Too true. It might take time to get unstuck but at least when you are, help yourself. As an impartial supporter, our role is limited.. The rest is on them.
@CozyPup1
I really relate to what you shared, especially the part about how automatic negative thoughts can quietly shape the way we see ourselves without us even realizing it. I think many people experience that inner pressure of feeling “behind” or not doing enough, especially in a world where we constantly compare ourselves to others or feel like we always need to be improving.
One negative thought I sometimes notice is the feeling that if I am struggling with something, it means I am not capable enough. But when I take a step back and challenge that thought, I realize struggling is often a normal part of learning and growth, not proof of failure. Reframing it from “I’m not good enough” to “I’m still learning” creates a completely different emotional response. Instead of feeling defeated, I feel more patient and willing to keep going.
I also agree with your point that positive thinking is not about forcing positivity or ignoring reality. I think it is more about developing a healthier relationship with our thoughts and recognizing that not every thought deserves to be accepted as truth. Sometimes our minds speak from fear, stress, insecurity, or exhaustion, and becoming aware of that can help us respond with more balance and self-compassion.
And yes, I definitely think our thoughts impact our lives more than we realize. The way we consistently speak to ourselves can shape our confidence, motivation, relationships, and even the opportunities we believe we deserve. Small shifts in mindset may seem subtle at first, but over time they can completely change how we experience life and ourselves.
@CozyPup1
Sometimes i get very harsh with myself as in the last few years i have repeated the same mistake (Essentially) in different ways and would think to myself that i was very stupid and hopeless. feeling like i let myself down and let down my loved ones because i didnt think i was worthy of them. But lately i have been changing the way I think. After hitting a really low point, i snapped out of that mentality and decided that I didnt want to 💀 nor did i want to feel this way forever so i had to change something. I worked on accepting that i cannot change what has already happened but vowed to learn from my mistakes and grow from them. to never let myself be put in that situation again. I also decided to pursue my own goals and dreams and stop telling myself that I cant do it. each day it gets easier to forgive myself and believe in myself again.
