The idea that we can choose our own thoughts is an interesting one. The idea that those thoughts help shape our realities, even more interesting.
I believe the second part, definitely. In fact, I believe the first part, I just find it incredibly difficult – if the average person’s mind is a mere monkey, mine’s one that just ate a suitcase of blue smarties and then chased it with a plant-pot of espresso.
But I have an approach.
I don’t try not to think bad thoughts. That’s like trying not to picture an elephant – you just picture one even more. Instead, I just try to pay attention to what I’m thinking about when I feel good, and then when I don’t feel good, I try to remember what those things were. It works. Not immediately. But gently, subtly, I feel better.
I imagine a fretboard in my mind and play imaginary guitar solos (this is how I often get to sleep.)
I imagine Emma smiling about something.
I see myself running really, really fast.
What thoughts make you feel good? Think them more often.