You Don’t Have to Think About That!
As we head into the year-end season, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts—especially those thoughts we wish we could leave behind. One common experience I hear from clients is how easily a happy memory can transform into a negative one. For example, you might be reminiscing about a joyful family gathering, only for your mind to quickly pull up a painful argument that happened at the same event. Suddenly, you’re no longer basking in joy; instead, you’re reliving an unhappy moment which can lead to another and another. It’s so natural, it happens without you even realizing it!
Here’s The Good News
You don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. The next time you feel your thoughts drifting toward negativity, put the brakes on. Having a happy memory ready to go will help. Maybe it’s a special moment from a vacation, a time when you felt peaceful, a small, joyful interaction, or someone or something you love unconditionally. I keep a picture of my dog handy—my always happy, loving, loyal companion. Just thinking of him brings a smile to my face and pulls me back to the present where our true power resides.
Why Does Our Brain Do This?
Our brains are hardwired for negativity as a survival mechanism, helping us recognize and remember dangers or threats from the past. This evolutionary trait is useful in avoiding physical harm, but in modern life, it can lead to dwelling on negative thoughts unnecessarily. When we’re trying to maintain peace of mind, this natural focus on the negative can trigger stress, anxiety, and unhappiness, even in situations that don’t pose any real danger.
The Key Takeaway
While there are many things in life we can’t control, we can control what we focus on. You have complete power over your thoughts, and you can choose to shift them to something uplifting whenever needed.
When I present this to clients, they’re often surprised—they’ve never thought about how simple and powerful this technique can be. Starting today, you can take charge of your thoughts and reclaim your peace, one memory at a time.
Follow These Simple Steps
- Prepare Your Positive Anchor: Choose a specific happy memory or image that brings you joy. It could be a vacation moment, a peaceful experience, or even a cherished pet. Keep it easily accessible. For example, I store mine on my phone for a quick access when needed.
- Recognize Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself dwelling on an unwanted thought, do your best to acknowledge it as soon as possible.
- Pause and Breathe: Take a moment to breathe deeply. This helps create a space between the negative thought and your reaction.
- Consciously Shift Focus: Decide to shift your focus to the happy memory or image you’ve prepared. Visualize it vividly.
- Stay Present: Remind yourself that you have the power to control your thoughts. Focus on how the positive memory makes you feel in the present moment.
- Practice Regularly: Make this technique a habit. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to shift your thoughts quickly.
- Reflect on the Experience: Afterward, take a moment to reflect on how this shift impacted your mood. Celebrate the positive change!
This method isn’t just about managing thoughts—it’s about reclaiming your inner peace and taking control of your life. Every time you choose to focus on joy, you’re reinforcing your power to create a happier, more fulfilling experience, no matter what life throws your way. Over time, you’ll find that negativity loses its grip, and your mind naturally gravitates more toward the positive. Remember, lasting change starts with small, intentional shifts. You have the strength to create a life filled with joy and resilience.
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