Stopping Negative Thought Patterns - Bluidkiti's Alcohol and Drug Addictions Recovery Help/Support Forums

bluidkiti · 04-12-2018, 10:28 AM

Stopping Negative Thought Patterns

1 Chronicles 28:9 - “The Lord…understands every motive behind the thoughts.”

“I often worry my family and boss will be disappointed and angry with me,” admitted a busy and well-liked woman. “I do everything possible to control their responses and reactions. I get so anxious I want to run away, but I’m driven to stay around and repeat the process. How can I change?”

Like my friend, I’ve often felt like I’m on this merry-go-round. I’ve learned a helpful exercise called ‘thought stopping and substitution.’ First I try to identify the stress-producing thought. For example: “My boss will be angry because I didn’t get everything done. That would be terrible. There must something wrong with me.” Next, I imagine the anticipated scene. I let myself feel the negative emotions it causes — knot in the stomach, sweaty palms, nauseated sensation.

Then, I interrupt the destructive thought and substitute it with a new one. Perhaps: “My value does not depend on my boss’s opinion or mood. I finished all I could. I’m not a terrible person.”

Learning to break the vicious cycle perpetuated by negative thought patterns is like developing a new habit. It takes time. Be patient with yourself.

God Lord, you understand me. Help me identify and change the destructive thoughts that rob my peace.

Joan C. Webb

04-12-2018, 10:28 AM	#1
bluidkiti Administrator Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 74,237	Stopping Negative Thought Patterns Stopping Negative Thought Patterns 1 Chronicles 28:9 - “The Lord…understands every motive behind the thoughts.” “I often worry my family and boss will be disappointed and angry with me,” admitted a busy and well-liked woman. “I do everything possible to control their responses and reactions. I get so anxious I want to run away, but I’m driven to stay around and repeat the process. How can I change?” Like my friend, I’ve often felt like I’m on this merry-go-round. I’ve learned a helpful exercise called ‘thought stopping and substitution.’ First I try to identify the stress-producing thought. For example: “My boss will be angry because I didn’t get everything done. That would be terrible. There must something wrong with me.” Next, I imagine the anticipated scene. I let myself feel the negative emotions it causes — knot in the stomach, sweaty palms, nauseated sensation. Then, I interrupt the destructive thought and substitute it with a new one. Perhaps: “My value does not depend on my boss’s opinion or mood. I finished all I could. I’m not a terrible person.” Learning to break the vicious cycle perpetuated by negative thought patterns is like developing a new habit. It takes time. Be patient with yourself. God Lord, you understand me. Help me identify and change the destructive thoughts that rob my peace. Joan C. Webb __________________ "No matter what you have done up to this moment, you get 24 brand-new hours to spend every single day." --Brian Tracy AA gives us an opportunity to recreate ourselves, with God's help, one day at a time. --Rufus K. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. --Franklin D. Roosevelt We stay sober and clean together - one day at a time! God says that each of us is worth loving.

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