Positive Thoughts
At the Northwest Parenting and Family Education Conference, Mary & I set up the A Wild Ride information booth where we shared many different handouts, including this one on
If you have mental tapes that re-run in your head ad nauseam, try Cognitive Restructuring and put an end to those automatic negative thoughts. This technique uses logic to test those nagging unproductive mind games. Ask yourself:
• Does this thought contribute to my stress?
• Where did I learn this thought? Is this thought based in today's reality or is it a belief based in my past?
• Is this a logical thought?
• Is this thought true?
Once you've uncovered the truth, you can counter this old negative thought with one that is actually based in reality.
Repeat this new thought whenever the old one arises:
"It is time to practice loving kindness and compassion for myself rather than beating myself up. I'm doing the best I can right now."
Repeat this positive mantra when that old tape resurfaces.
