Thoughts.
It is only recently that I've really given thought to, well, my thoughts. And the idea that my thoughts might not be true. They could be a story I've been telling myself for years but a story is all it really is. And I can tell myself a new story by changing my thoughts. In most situations, we have a choice as to how we will think about what is occurring. We can choose to only see the negatives and think negative thoughts on repeat. But it we choose to see the possibilities or the blessings or even the lessons, we can turn the situation around. Or at least make ourself less miserable. My thoughts this year have often been about how overwhelmed I feel at work. How there isn't enough time to accomplish everything. I say to myself "I'm drowning." It feels true to me, but it doesn't help anything at all, especially my mindset. I keep confirming to myself how impossible it is and that leads to feeling paralyzed and unhappy. My thinking now is that I need to come up with an action plan for how to accomplish tasks. I need to accept that everything might not get done all at once but tell myself words of encouragement about my ability to effectively teach. It's worth a try! All the thoughts about how hard it is and how unhappy I feel are not making anything easier or making me happier. Do you believe everything you tell yourself? How do you switch off unproductive thoughts?
4 Comments
3/10/2019 06:44:08 pm
It's so true Kathleen. Our thoughts can take over and seem like reality even when maybe they aren't. My best strategy is a reality check with a trusted friend.
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Katy Collins
3/10/2019 07:00:46 pm
So true! I do not believe my thoughts all the time. I heard an analogy once that a thought is like a bird landing on your head...you can't help it, but you don't have to build it a nest. And, I rely on my family and friends to keep me grounded, too.
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Glenda Funk
3/10/2019 08:59:16 pm
I’ve had similar thoughts about the thoughts I tell myself. When I started teaching at my current school thirty years ago, no one in the English department talked to me. I was desperately lonely. That narrative has been hard to shake. My recent surgery offered clarity about my current department. Those from 30 years ago are long gone, and we are a much different group now. And as far as getting work done goes, I’ll do my best, but how I leave at the end of the year matters more to me than finishing a list of tasks.
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barbara suter
3/10/2019 09:10:00 pm
I believe you should believe what your self is telling you. And do something about it. If you are feeling miserable and overwhelmed that's a bad sign, since you do the best you can every single day.
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
February 2024
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