An Overlooked Influence in our Lives: Our Thoughts

I have noticed in working with other people and with myself that our thoughts are extremely powerful components behind our perceptions, feelings, and actions.

From the book, Feeling Good, David Burns teaches about an interesting cycle that occurs: Life throws different situations into our paths (positive, neutral, and negative).  We interpret these situations with thoughts that are constantly flowing through our minds.  This leads to our feelings.  It is our thoughts, not the actual situations, that create how we feel.

So, in actuality, it is not the situation, in itself, that is the culprit, but how we internalize the situation.  If we have negative thoughts about an event (such as a child not listening to you) --> negative emotions (frustration, irritability, impatience) --> negative behaviors (yelling, spanking,  distancing ourselves).  In essence, we can be our greatest advocates but also our worse enemies when it comes to perceiving the world around us.  

So, all said and done, I have created a second blog just for positive thoughts (the link to the left). I believe when our source of strength is received from positive outlets, we become overall better people, closer to the Savior, more inspired, and ready to carry forth the plan that is before us.

Feel free to add any of your own positive thoughts to the comments!