Containing Shitty Thoughts

We can’t think our way out of shitty thoughts, and we have to let go of the idea that we should always be thinking positive. Thinking positive is makeup and bandaids to the shit that is tattoo’d in our subconscious, it doesn’t last very long, and we have to continue to re-apply, until things feel worse. The thing I found best when having shitty thoughts is changing the channel PHYSICALLY. I get up, and do something else, like a read a book, go for walk, hit the gym, make some food, call a friend, or anything else that tickles your fancy. I also recognize what triggers those shitty thoughts (i.e. social media) and decide I want to pour less salt into the wound, so I leave the device where it is and get knee deep in the analog world. Tony Robbins jumps in a little pool of ice water in the morning to get himself ready to go. I start my day with 25 pushups and making my bed. All of these ACTIVities impact the chemicals in our brains and make us feel better. Our thoughts paint our lives, so if you leave shitty thoughts unaddressed, then don’t be surprised if life feels shitty. Self-pity isn’t your friend, neither is complaining; they feel comforting in the short term, but just like fast food, the longer you have it, the more it takes a toll. We can blame negativity in the news, and the negative friends we have, but really we have the most control over the negativity we CHOOSE to consume, and the negativity we CHOOSE to leave unaddressed. Take some ownership over that, and when you start to fall in love with a life that has a lot less shitty feelings, by default you’ll spend less time on social media, and less time around complainers and energy drainers. It’s almost magical how when we face the shit we have inside, it helps us deal with the shit around us. So leave your phone at home, and go for a walk. Your thoughts are your thoughts, but that doesn’t mean they all deserve to live rent free. Next time you have a shitty thought do 60 jumping jacks, and tell me if it’s still as strong afterwards. This isn’t mystical spiritual shit, this is chemistry. 

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