Why your brain doesn’t always have your best interest in mind and how to better choose the thoughts that serve you.

Constantly scrolling thoughts

Our brain has thoughts all the time that do not serve us. Thoughts that can be seriously detrimental. How many times a day do you think things like:

• I’m a dumbass, why didn’t I leave myself enough time for traffic?
• I can’t believe I said that. I sounded so stupid.
• Why does she get to have the perfect marriage? I’m jealous.
• I shouldn’t be eating this. It’s bad for me.
• I hate the wrinkles/cellulite/nose/thighs.
• So and so still hasn’t returned my call. I guess she/he doesn’t like me anymore.

We make up all this crap around food, our appearance, how others act, what we think others are thinking, and essentially, what goes on around us or how we think we should be.

It’s all crap. It’s just a story.

You’re the greatest storyteller you’ll ever know. The secret is learning that you are writing the story that is your life. Author, editor, publisher you do it all simply by choosing your thoughts. Learning to be mindful and aware of the thoughts you choose to believe, the thoughts to give meaning to, and the thoughts that hold value is where the magic exists. 

We all have past traumas. Live is not perfect. Shit happens. What we can do is practice living in the moment as it is occurring. When you are choosing to live in the present, all those past hurts are removed from the story. They are still a part of what got you to where you are, but you are choosing to let them be in the background and not have a starring role. 

So what story are you telling yourself?

• Traffic happens. I’m not a fan of showing up early when I could do something else with my time. There was some traffic and I am a few minutes late. No big deal.
• You said what you said. You’re not great at thinking on the fly. Take an extra moment next time to think through your words before saying them. You’re not stupid.
• You have no idea what someone else’s marriage is like. She might be jealous that you don’t have to sleep next to a snoring slob every night.
• Food should be enjoyed. End of story. Feeling guilty is worse than the “badness” of whatever you are consuming.
• You are beautiful. Your body is a magnificent creation that helps you experience the world around you. Love it for all that it is rather than hating it for what it’s not.

Awareness of what we let in

Why we need to choose carefully:

There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to take the thoughts that come across your brain with a grain of salt:

1. The human brain is fallible: Despite being an incredibly powerful and complex organ, the human brain is pretty basic. It can make mistakes, misinterpret information, and jump to conclusions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. It’s designed to basically keep us alive. We must decipher the information that pops up.
2. Bias: Our thoughts and beliefs can be influenced by our personal experiences, cultural background, and the information we consume. These biases can lead us to form opinions or beliefs that may not be accurate or objective.
3. Emotional state: Our thoughts and judgments can also be influenced by our emotional state. For example, when we are angry or upset, we may be more likely to jump to conclusions or make snap judgments without fully considering all the facts.
4. Limited perspective: Our thoughts and beliefs are often shaped by our limited perspective. We may only have access to a small piece of information or have a limited understanding of a complex issue, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate conclusions.

By taking our thoughts with a grain of salt, we can acknowledge the fallibility of our brains and recognize that our thoughts and beliefs are not always accurate or objective. This can help us to be more open-minded, receptive to new information, and willing to consider alternative viewpoints.

How the brain works:

While the brain is an incredibly powerful and complex organ, it doesn’t always prioritize what is best for us in the moment. 

Here are a few examples:

1. Instant gratification: Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This can lead to behaviors such as overeating or overspending, even if these actions are not in our best long-term interests.
2. Fear response: Our brains are also wired to respond to perceived threats, which can trigger the fight-or-flight response. While this response can be helpful in some situations, such as when we need to escape danger, it can also lead to irrational fear and anxiety that may not be based in reality.
3. Confirmation bias: Our brains also have a tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and to ignore information that contradicts them. This can lead to a distorted view of the world and can prevent us from seeing things objectively.
4. Cognitive dissonance: Our brains also have a tendency to resist information that challenges our beliefs or values. This can lead to a state of cognitive dissonance, where we experience discomfort or anxiety when we encounter information that contradicts our beliefs.

By being aware of these tendencies and actively working to counteract them, we can make more rational and objective decisions that are in our best interests in the long term. This may involve delaying gratification, confronting our fears, seeking out alternative viewpoints, and being open to changing our beliefs based on new information.

Living in the present with awareness

Being mindful when processing your thoughts means being fully present and aware of what you are thinking and feeling, without judgment or distraction. This can be especially helpful when dealing with difficult or challenging thoughts, as it allows you to approach them with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than getting caught up in negative emotions or reactions.

Here are some tips for being mindful when processing your thoughts:

1. Observe your thoughts: Take a step back and simply notice what thoughts are going through your mind. Try to observe them with curiosity and without judgment.
2. Label your thoughts: Give your thoughts a name or label, such as “worry,” “fear,” or “anger.” This can help you to become more aware of the different types of thoughts you have and how they impact your emotions.
3. Focus on the present: When processing your thoughts, try to stay focused on the present moment rather than getting caught up in past regrets or future worries. This can help to reduce anxiety and increase your sense of calm and well-being.
4. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate towards yourself, even when you are struggling with difficult thoughts or emotions. Remember that it’s okay to have these experiences and that you are not alone.
5. Take action when needed: If you notice that your thoughts are causing you distress or interfering with your daily life, take action to address them. This may involve seeking support from a therapist or counselor, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

By being mindful when processing your thoughts, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can lead to greater resilience, well-being, and overall happiness in your life.

Thoughts Become Things

Our thoughts can be a powerful force in shaping our emotions, behaviors, and overall perspective on life. However, not all thoughts are accurate or helpful, and some can even be harmful. Therefore, it’s important to choose the thoughts that we allow to take root in our minds and to question those that are negative, self-defeating, or simply untrue.

One reason for this is that our thoughts can become self-fulfilling prophecies. If we constantly think negative thoughts about ourselves or our situation, we may start to feel more discouraged and less motivated to take action to improve things. On the other hand, if we choose to focus on positive thoughts and possibilities, we may be more likely to feel optimistic and motivated to take positive steps forward.

Additionally, our thoughts can be influenced by a variety of factors, including our past experiences, cultural messages, and personal biases. By actively choosing which thoughts we allow to take root in our minds, we can challenge these influences and develop a more accurate and balanced perspective on ourselves and the world around us.

Choosing our thoughts rather than simply believing them can help us to cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset, challenge negative or inaccurate beliefs, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Thank you for joining me, Beautiful People. Please subscribe and share to keep up to date on all newly released content. Come join the social media community @TheBeautifulPerson on Instagram.