Something I am still learning.
Your thoughts are not "you."
What you perceive is not reality.
What you feel is not real.
These are all filters for how you experience life.
And they are so present, so visceral, you are tempted to view them as truth.
But you must question what you think, see, and feel.
Because you are not a reliable narrator.
How you are authoring your experience of the world should be carefully examined.
Why are you thinking this way?
Be ruthless with your thinking - it is especially unreliable and deceptive. As you think, so you will become. You must discipline your thinking. Be careful with what you think and exmine what you allow yourself to believe. Your thoughts will direct your life. Take control before allowing the wrong thought to lead you astray.
Why do you see the world this way?
Be cautious if you are constantly feeling like the victim, if people are always frustrating you, or if you run into jerks all day long. It is not possible for the entire world to be against you. Chances are, something is off with your perception. If your view of reality is askew, all of life will be off. You will struggle to get along with others. Things will not go your way. Look inward, question yourself, and find out where your perception has gone wrong.
Why do you feel this way?
Fear, for example, is not real. Worry, panic, anxiety, all of these come from within. You must stand back, witness these feelings, and let them go. Sit in a quiet place, outside if you can. Be still. Breathe. Speak to yourself honestly about what you are feeling. As you observe and examine yourself, your feelings will center. The worst of them will begin to fade as you align what you feel with what is true. So, you can say, "I feel anxious," instead of "I am anxious." Because you are not your feelings.
This is your life. Do not allow yourself to be tossed along by the ebb and flow of your thoughts, perceptions and feelings. Try to see reality for what it is so that you can live confidently, with strength and fortitude, leading with love and Light.
I’m still learning this. Sometimes life is overwhelming and it feels impossible to take ownership of everything that is required of me.
The point is not perfection. The goal is to make progress, a little more each day. A little less chaotic, a little more mature. The journey never ends.
Be gracious with yourself as you struggle forward.
A little further, each day.
Thank you Joel. I hear what you are saying, but sometimes it is difficult to keep my thoughts forward focused and on the positive. For me, this is become a lifelong discipline. Also, thank you for the comments about perspective… That’s very helpful.