✍️Written by Nicole Matassa https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleta-matassasa
27th of June 2024
Every time I get back up from my lowest point, it seems as if negative thoughts will drag me down all over again.So what really trigger these negative thoughts? Whether it’s the fear of happiness slipping away or doubts when things seem good, negativity always seems to win.Not long ago, I was stuck in a loop of feeling not good enough. I was juggling writing, health, school, work, and family duties, but the negative thoughts just got louder. It made my anxiety worse, and I was miserable every day.By the end of that tough time, my health started to suffer. I wasn’t moving, I slept too much, and I barely ate. I decided to try exercising at home, but during lunges, the same old thoughts hit me: “What’s the point? I’ll just end up back where I started.” It almost broke me.
Finding Your Inner Strength
Then, a thought popped into my head: “Your inner strength is more powerful than your thoughts.” I paused, leaned on the table for support, and took a deep breath. I repeated that phrase to myself, wrote it down, and read it over and over. That phrase came from a place deeper than my thoughts and helped me find my inner strength.We often get so lost in the past or future that we forget the present. This makes us prisoners of our negative thoughts, which only heightens our stress and anxiety. Even when things are good, negativity creeps in, making us doubt and fear.
Listen to Your Awareness
It’s crucial to remember that negative thoughts aren’t always true. They’re often stories made up by our fears and doubts, pulling us away from reality and stopping us from achieving what we want. These thoughts come from a part of us that fears change and the unknown, limiting our growth.Life will always challenge us to confront these thoughts and find our inner strength. Through many painful moments, I’ve learned that there’s always a powerful awareness behind my negative thoughts. Sometimes it’s loud, other times it’s quiet, but it’s always there to help me rise above and keep going.
Here are 7 things that help me during tough times by waking up my awareness and restoring my inner strength:
1️⃣Connect with Nature:
When negative thoughts hit, they bring stress and anxiety. I often feel physical symptoms like tightness in my chest or strong emotions like sadness or anger. When I feel out of sync, I step outside. Whether it’s sitting in the backyard or walking around the block, being in nature calms me. I focus on the plants, the breeze, and the birds. This helps my negative thoughts fade away and restores my calmness and strength.
2️⃣Do Something Joyful:
Negative thoughts often dwell on the past or worry about the future, leading to self-doubt. It’s hard to motivate yourself when you’re feeling down, but it’s not impossible. I find something that brings me joy, even if it’s small. Sometimes I try a new recipe or write in my journal. Doing something that makes me happy shifts my focus away from negativity and makes me feel good, which strengthens my resilience.
3️⃣Practice Mindfulness:
I take a few minutes each day to meditate or practice deep breathing. This helps me stay present and reduces the power of negative thoughts.
4️⃣Reach Out to Loved Ones:
Talking to friends or family members provides support and perspective. Sharing my feelings helps lighten the emotional load and reminds me I’m not alone.
5️⃣Engage in Physical Activity:
Exercise, even something simple like stretching or a short walk, boosts my mood and energy levels. Physical movement helps release stress and improves my overall well-being.
6️⃣Create a Gratitude List:
Writing down things I’m grateful for shifts my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. This practice helps me appreciate the positive aspects of my life, even during tough times.
7️⃣Set Small Goals:
I break down tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small achievements. Accomplishing even minor goals builds my confidence and motivation, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges.
These practices help me navigate through negative thoughts and restore my inner strength, allowing me to face life’s challenges with greater resilience.
Despite the recurring negative thoughts, my awareness and inner strength always guide me back. Listen to your awareness, whether it’s loud or subtle. It’s stronger than any negative thoughts and can help you see them for what they are—just thoughts—so you can let them go and pursue what makes you happy.
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With love and care,
Debi
