Written by Caroline Joseph Reese, Wellness Practitioner
Caroline Joseph Reese has developed a holistic approach to wellness that integrates many healing modalities. Caroline currently serves as the Wellness Resident Practitioner and Supervisor at the Four Seasons Lāna'i in Hawaii.
When we think of personal freedom, we often envision freedom of speech, religion, or self-expression. However, there is another crucial dimension to consider: personal freedom from our thoughts, addictions, and ingrained habits. By learning to break the cycle of negative automatic thoughts that can lead to addiction and suffering, we can embark on a transformative journey toward true personal freedom.
Negative automatic thoughts can wreak havoc in our minds, often without our awareness; we may only feel the emotions they trigger. Typically, negative emotions are preceded by automatic thoughts that arise almost instinctively. These thoughts, rooted in our past and present experiences, significantly influence our mood, behavior, and emotional state.
Consider how a past experience can leave a psychological imprint, triggering recurring responses. For instance, if you experienced neglect as a child, entering a similar situation as an adult may cause the thought of being unwanted to resurface repeatedly, becoming an ingrained habit.
While not all automatic thoughts are negative, it is the negative ones that often create struggles. Learning to evaluate these thoughts can illuminate our thinking patterns and help us shift them, enabling us to escape the cycle of negativity and foster a greater sense of well-being and joy.
Understanding distorted thinking patterns
To begin this process, familiarize yourself with different types of distorted thinking that may resonate with your own thought patterns:
Black and White Thinking: Viewing situations as all good or all bad, with no middle ground.
All or Nothing Thinking: Believing you must be the best; anything less feels unworthy.
Discounting the Positive: Minimizing any positive experiences or accomplishments.
Emotional Reasoning: Assuming what you feel is true (e.g., feeling like a failure despite evidence of success).
Labeling: Defining yourself negatively (e.g., calling yourself a "failure" or "loser").
Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others think about you without evidence.
Personalization: Believing that others' negative behaviors are a direct reflection of your worth.
Tunnel Vision: Focusing solely on negative aspects of a situation, ignoring any positives.
Evaluating your thought patterns
Start by becoming aware of your thinking patterns. Recognizing these patterns can reveal how your thoughts influence your behaviors. To identify distortions, look for negative language in your automatic thoughts. These thoughts are often repetitive and involuntary. Common negative thoughts might include:
"I am not good enough."
"I can't do it."
"I'm not as lucky as others."
"I am not strong enough."
"I am not smart enough."
When these negative thoughts arise, challenge them by applying “what if” statements to shift your perspective:
"What if I am good enough?"
"What if I can do it?"
"What if I am as lucky as others?"
"What if I am strong enough?"
"What if I am smart enough?"
Recognizing that these thoughts are reflexive and can be altered is the crucial first step toward change. The practice of evaluating and transforming your thought process is empowering.
Our thoughts significantly impact how we act and feel. Moods, attitudes, and behaviors are all shaped by our thinking. Those suffering from anxiety or depression often experience a persistent stream of negative thoughts that color their mood. Instead of succumbing to these thoughts, consider pausing to reflect on the blessings of being alive.
May the spirit of love fill your heart with peace, and may you remember to pause and infuse your life with compassion and positivity.
Read more from Caroline Joseph Reese
Caroline Joseph Reese, Wellness Practitioner
Caroline Joseph Reese is the creator of the Discover Self Coaching Course, which is designed to empower individuals to discover their true selves and empower others. Caroline is a dedicated and passionate healer who approaches each person she meets with love and genuine respect. Caroline currently serves as the Wellness Resident Practitioner and Supervisor at the Four Seasons Lāna'i in Hawaii.
