Toxic thoughts can stop you from finding joy and peace in your life. Negative thoughts and emotions are draining. They can affect your relationships and your experiences.
Beware of these toxic thoughts and use these strategies to increase your emotional rest.
Toxic Thought #1: I’ll always be alone. Periods of loneliness and feelings of isolation are normal human emotions. However, they become toxic when you think things will always be this way.
This toxic thought can make you feel that you’re the only single person on the planet. It can make you believe that you’ll never find love or a partner. And it can stop you from being open to new relationships.
Instead of thinking you’ll always be alone, focus on building the relationships around you. Do you have loving parents or siblings? Do you have amazing friends or coworkers? If you look carefully, you’ll see you’re never truly alone.
Toxic Thought #2: I hate my body. Hating your body can be one of the most toxic thoughts in your mind. It can lead to eating disorders, self-esteem issues, and other challenges. Everyone can find an imperfection, but it’s important to avoid dwelling on them.
Understand that your body is a gift. It’s the vehicle you use in which to enjoy the world around you. Notice the things you do like about your body. Accentuate those characteristics, focus on the good things your body can do, and you’ll find it easier to start loving the body you have.
Toxic Thought #3: I’m not happy with my career. Your job may be challenging, but it’s another toxic thought when you spend excess time dwelling on everything you dislike about it.
Of course, you may pursue a different career path but consider why you chose your current job. Determine if you are in a new season of your life or if you just need to awaken the passion in your current job.
Toxic Thought #4: I’m not worthy. This toxic thought can take many forms. You may feel that you’re not worthy of love, success, money, or other things. You may believe that you always have to suffer and struggle. You may decide that you’re not meant for greater things.
This toxic thought can stop you from enjoying life and finding happiness. These feelings of worthlessness are only in your mind. You’re a unique person who has value. Often, this toxic thought comes from what you think others are thinking about you. You falsely assume that others don’t see any value in you, so your self-esteem drops.
Consider starting a new pattern. Let your thoughts dwell on your intrinsic value, the value that is based on who you are and separate from anything you do. The value that comes from being fearfully and wonderfully made by God, created in His image. You are a unique individual who is irreplaceable and valuable to God.
Toxic Thought #5: I don’t have enough. This toxic thought can manifest itself in multiple ways, such as thinking you don’t have enough money, skills, talents, or abilities. You may also think you don’t have enough connections, friends, or things.
Scarcity thoughts stop you from appreciating what you already have around you. They prevent you from finding joy in being thankful. With these thoughts, you may never have enough material possessions or people to love, regardless of how many you actually have. It keeps you in a place of wanting and never satisfied.
You can certainly be open to receive more, but it’s important to also be grateful for what you do have.
Toxic thoughts are easy to create and often hard to eliminate. They can overwhelm you if you aren’t careful. If toxic thoughts have gotten a hold on you, it’s important to take action to eject them out of your mind.
Notice when these toxic thoughts arise. Immediately switch that thought to one that’s more positive and uplifting. Meditate on Scripture, repeat affirmations, and try the ideas above to loosen its grip.
Do you need a focused time to work on getting well-rested in your mind, body, and spirit?
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