Monday, January 7, 2008

Don't Believe Everything You Think

I hope the title makes you think. I plan to use it a lot.

I came upon the adage as a bumper sticker recommended for people suffering with anorexia nervosa. That is, those who believe they're fat when they clearly are not. It applies to a lot of people and their beliefs...

those who think they're bad when they're really good

those who think they should be guilty when they're just having normal thoughts

those who think they don't have a right to feel happy when, of course, they do

those who think they're selfish when they're really not

those who think they're selfless when they're really selfish (okay, I just snuck this one in to see if you were paying attention).

The list could go on and on. Consider your typical self-criticisms or negative self-statements. Are there some you might want to toss?

To learn more about irrational beliefs:

http://www.rebt.ws/albert_ellis_the_essence_of_rebt.htm

If the link doesn't work go to http://www.albertellis.info/, click on The Essence of Rational Emotive Therapy and scroll down to the 12 irrational ideas, which also includes more reasonable alternatives.

Disclaimer: This blog not intended for people who doubt everything they think.

No comments: