Our thoughts are a very powerful part of our lives and create our reality. Therefore, if our thoughts are negative, chances are that we are stuck in a pattern of perceiving most things in a negative light.
The immediate reflex when a negative thought enters one's mind is to respond with emotions. That's part of human nature. It's also human nature to reinforce these thought patterns and make them into a lasting perception. The truth is that thoughts are mental processes that are not based in reality and can therefore be changed.
The first step in turning negative thoughts around is to acknowledge that the thoughts are occuring. As they enter your mind, allow them to come into your awareness as a negative thought, something intangible. The instant you acknowledge negativity, you are beginning the process of abolishing it. Negative mental chatter is part of the ego's arsenal; the ego cannot survive when you become conscious of this.
Next, you goal is to challenge your negative thought by creating an equal, opposite positive thought. This might not come easy at first, but will become so over time. There is always a way to look at a situation from a more positive perspective. This will require some effort for those accostumed to simply 'stewing' in negativity.
A newly formed positive thought will need to be validated and solidified for it to remain part of your consciousness. This step will require you to make it concrete by verbalising or writing it. Mantras, affirmation cards, and journaling the new positive thought is especially helpful in making it a lasting part of your reality.
Another helpful way to see things more positively is to next express a gratitude in what is transpiring in this particular situation that you were thinking negatively about. Finding small things to be grateful for is a good way to start. Over time, you'll want to make gratitude a habit that you practive regularly about any and all things. Gratitude has a way of repelling a negative attitude and feeds your soul with joy and peace.
This inward work will become easier, but will also require a few outward changes for it to be sustained. First, you will want to avoid negative people and environments that affect your ability to stay positive. A positive environment is more conducive to positive thinking, so being with positive people is more likely to keep you from feeling negativity.
Something else that could be helpful would be to seek opportunities personal growth. Self-improvement workshops are a great way to work on negativity and to meet people with who you can build lasting, supportive relationships. Positive energy in your surroundings will be the key to keeping negative thoughts from returning and once again becoming part of your faulty reality.
Remember that changing negative thoughts will not happen overnight. Such long-term habits take dedication and willingness to put in the effort required. In the end, a positive outlook will result in you thinking of yourself and others differently and bring a new level of satisfaction to your life.
Debbie Parent is a mixed media artist and holistic living enthusiast. Her art can be seen at DAP Digital Art. She also blogs at Digital Bliss where she offers free weekly craft printables.