I recently spent an evening and shared a few drinks with a friend. He is someone that I have the utmost respect for; someone that always seems to be optimistic; always on top of the world; always serving others; always just doing good.
He told me that he spent the last few days in “the dumps”. He had spent the last couple of days doubting his path, questioning why his life seems so hard at times. He was telling himself all kinds of untrue stories of victimization.
What stories do you tell yourself? Stories like:
- “My boss never appreciates my work”
- “My spouse always …”
- “My kids never listen to me”
- “I am not capable of …”
- “I am not good at …”
- “This always happens to me”
These absolute and negative statements not only become your truths, your self-fulfilling prophecies, but they also lead to a depressive mood.
Whenever you start telling yourself stories like these, test them for accuracy. Any statement that begins with or contains the words never or always is certainly a lie. Nothing actually never or always happens. When you start to believe your own lies to yourself, about yourself or about people around you, you hamper your ability to be optimistic and hopeful.
We all have these self-pity days, but the important part is to remember that these stories you tell yourself are not true. In this remembrance is the wisdom that you need to help yourself snap back to feeling good.
Remember that you are owed nothing in life.
Remember that true happiness is found within yourself and is not dependent on receiving anything from anyone.
Remember that you reap what you sow. You get back what you put out in this world.
If you continue to think negative thoughts, then the false stories you tell yourself will eventually become true.
Control what you choose to think.
Imagine yourself as doorman to a popular night club. Only allow the thoughts past your “door” that will bring positive vibes to your club. You can be the gatekeeper to your thoughts.
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is one my favorite books. Here are some quotes from the book:
“Every action and feeling is preceded by a thought.”
Love and Let 