How do You Overturn STINKIN' THINKIN'?

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Posts: 5
9/3/10 6:34 A

Praying, meditation, exercise

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9/3/10 6:08 A

I count my blessings

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9/3/10 5:11 A

So agree...prayer can turn it around. Focusing on the beauty, the gifts we have, I need to do this today. Fell down the rabbit hole of depression and climbing out is not so easy. Prayer, gratitude. Need this today.

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9/3/10 2:37 A

When negativity rears its ugly head reading something positive with meditation and going to a pleasant place in my mind will bring the good thoughts
One day at a time

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8/16/10 5:36 A

Prayer

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8/16/10 3:29 A

I'm going to be healthy and I am going to think positive and just walk away from the stinkin' thinkin'.

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8/15/10 1:42 P

good question...let me know when you figure it out...

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8/15/10 1:42 P

When the stinkin thinkin sneaks up on me, as it did this morning, I just tell myself the truth about me: I am special. I am worth it. This is not a waste of time. My life is worthwhile. And as Philippians 4 says, "I can do all things...!!!

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8/15/10 1:13 P

As a Bible-believing certified hypnotist, I know the mind to be powerful, but vulnerable and accepting of the spoken word. When stinkin' thinkin' sneaks up, just say "no!" then speak the positive, the truth, the reality that brings about the desired success. We are overcomers!

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8/14/10 1:14 P

YES, that counts- I think it's great!

There's lots of simple things that show love and appreciation. Happiness rubs off on us when we make someone happy.



Edited by: NEWBIEJULIA at: 8/17/2010 (10:27)

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8/13/10 5:13 A

Something good I've done recently....made my husband coffee and walked him to his car and petted the dog...does that count?

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8/12/10 2:41 P

Try to think of something good you've done for someone recently and realize you really are a good person.

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8/12/10 2:36 P

I call a positive friend........

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8/12/10 11:21 A

Walk walk walk - with my ipod full of sermons to keep me from being "all about me"

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8/12/10 10:48 A

Gratitude Journal, can't be down when you are being greatful!

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8/12/10 9:08 A

I read autobiographies. I have just finished reading Killing Willis by Todd Bridges from the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. His story inspired me to push through my bad days by connecting with good people.

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8/12/10 8:34 A

I walk it off.

I count my blessings. Hey, the fact that I can walk is a blessing, right?

Take a moment to pull back from whatever is stinkin' and try to regain proper perspective.

I need to work on my collage so I can add "looking at my vision collage" to the list of tactics.

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8/12/10 8:31 A

I try to think of something good every day. I think I live much more of the positive side than most but in these times so many peeople's lives have been changed to the negative side including my own. I let it bring me done and stressed out and then one day I said enough.

I know take one day at a time and try to say thanks every night before going to sleep so at least one good thing in the day even if it was just a good weather day and that helps me end the day on a positive not and I think that helps with a more positive dream state as well.

I just take a day at a time with evreything in my life right now and that seems to work best.

Have a great day everyone!!

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8/12/10 8:22 A

Julia
Thank you so much for reminding me of what is really important.
It is not that I am haveing extremly bad financial problems, or having to file bankruptcy at 65 or living month to month no money.
It is that my husband and I are married 46 years and are happy and together everyday.
It is my grandchildren and the adopted little Toni who has shaken baby syndrome and will never be past 3 months old, he is a blessing all I have to do is see his smile(which is the cutest little crroked one sided smile you ever saw). Thank you Julia
I will try to remember these things each day instead of complaining about no money.
Thanks
Claudia

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8/12/10 8:22 A

I'm trying to focus on that now... by changing my thoughts from negative to positive.

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8/12/10 7:53 A

That is something I still need to work on - overcoming those negative thoughts that keep me down!

Felicia

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8/12/10 5:11 A

This is something I read about here on Spark and think would be a great step to take. Weigh yourself daily and put the results on a graph. At the end of a set period (weekly, monthly) average the results of your weight loss. I haven't started this yet but I think it might be a good way to look at the results of a diet a bit more objectively and less emotionally. Less day to day and more of a lifestyle change. I really do need to start this myself! But good luck and congratulations on your success!

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8/12/10 3:19 A

Thanks Julia, Thats such a lovely sentiment. I'm grateful that there are such lovely people in the world

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8/12/10 3:05 A

2BFIT21,

Don't let negative thoughts blind you to your wonderful qualities and your many blessings.

Make a list of everything around you and about you that you like, exhaust your thoughts search for the good and the blessings.

Refuse to think of the things you wish were different. Concentrate on loving and enjoying what you've listed.

If you pray, take a little break from the list of requests that never seem answered and give only prayers of gratitude. Start where you can and build on the blessing (including your good qualities) that come to mind, no matter how simple. But NO requests.
I've found this helps me recalibrate my attitude. It's all the way we look at things and gratitude is key. Express in some way every nice, happy thing that comes to mind.

WE CARE!! My love to you,
newbiejulia

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8/11/10 10:53 P

Get outside and take a brisk walk or run. Even if you don't have a partner, it just feels so good and before you know it, you're enjoying the fresh air. I can go to the gym, but for my really "down" times, it has to be outdoors to do the trick -- or at least take the edge off it.

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8/11/10 6:54 P

Much of our thoughts (70% or better) are repetitive. They can simply be habits sometimes. It is completely possible to retrain ones self to think in positive ways. There are some excellent suggestions here.

Just as some of us must re-parent ourselves in order to change our eating habits, we can do the same with our thought processes.

Something that can help is to take some time each day and activity look for things that are going well. For example,
1) My car started on the very first try this morning
2) I have some really great friends that live nearby
3) I have a job, a home, a good community in which to live

There was once a time in my life that I would have cursed the clunker parked in my driveway, wished I had more friends, and complained about my job. It took about 4 months of consistent effort, but I have really changed the way I think. My first reactions to things are often positive, thankful, happy, and peaceful.

If I can do it, I think that just about anyone can.

One book that helped -
The Art of Abundance by Candy Paul

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8/11/10 6:23 P

Coming on Spark and blogging about my Stinkin' THinkin' always gives me at least 5 or 6 comments from friends to boost me back up! I also find that getting outside and walking in the fresh air does wonders. :)

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8/11/10 4:55 P

When you figure it out-let me know. It's a cotton pickin' struggle.... Just never quit.

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8/11/10 4:54 P

I must say that I am very blessed because whenever my stinkin' thinkin' takes over I have a dh, children and a the best work out partner in the world that all encourage me and remind me of how much I have already accomplished. They are my positive "outer" voices helping to defeat that small inner voice.

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8/11/10 4:32 P

Keep a journal. Write down your anxieties.

Look back at the troubles from two months ago.

Smile, and say- "why, that problem cleared itself up!"

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8/11/10 2:34 P

One thing the Bible is clear about ( and I don't mean to keep bringing up the Bible ) but we are to capture our thoughts.
Think about it for a second and picture the action- when you hear in your mind, "you can't do that" Stop the thought- right there- close your fist- and tell it yes I can.
Every time it comes to mind- stop it. Pretty soon, if you do this enough times, you will be stopping it at "you Can't".

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8/11/10 2:30 P

The Bible helped me with this one- As soon as a thought comes into my mind ( and my mind races ) that I do not like, I immediately think- NO, I don't think that way, feel that way or want to think like that.
It might take a few times to work- but I can promise you after a while, when mean or stupid thoughts do come into your mind, you are actually surprised- because you don't think that way anymore.

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8/11/10 1:49 P

Oh boy you sound like I used to feel. I thought that everyone was better, had more exciting and interesting lives, looked better, etc... I have always fought my weight all of my life. I was a stay at home Mom, and felt I had nothing to offer. When I returned to the work force things had changed. Women were building careers instead of biding time till the first off spring were born. Talk about having nothing to offer. Today I have associates and bachelors degrees. I worked full time and went to school full time too...talk about being tired and having no life. We tend to beat ourselves up always looking at our faults, faults that only we seem to see. We forget to look at our successes. I have two wonderful kids that I am very close to...29 & 31 years old. I have a career that I worked very hard for. I have learned like many who have responded to your post, that we have to force ourselves to see the positive. Many of us have a strong spiritual side that we draw on. I guess what I am trying to say is, each of us have a responsibility to ourselves to take care of our bodies, spirits and our hearts. Please take time out to place yourself in a spot that makes you smile, the park, your yard, family member's home or a favorite vacation spot...it doesn't have to be a physical location but it must be somewhere you have found a peaceful and happy feeling. You need to recharge your internal batteries...by doing so you will start to see yourself in a more favorable light. Ask your higher power to give you inner strength. Most of all, LOVE YOURSELF.

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8/11/10 1:23 P

Started Spark yesterday. Can really relate to the "stinkin' thinkin'". Keep hearing my wonderful mom saying "why bother?"; "your fine the way you are"; "you get enough exercise cleaning house", "you want that treat, you should eat it, you deserve it".... along with "you can't do anything right". It's so hard to throw away a life time of listening to "Mom" without adding additional guilt.
Need to focus on who I am today and what I know to be best for me, not on old scripts learned in the past. Need to write new script for my new life.
I can still love mom, without listening her negatives all day long. Need to reformat over those comments with some new "ME" talk. I am a strong person. I know what I need to do and why I need to do it. I can do this. I want to do this for me, not for anyone else. I will do this for me.

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8/11/10 1:11 P

There is a wonderful book: "Telling Yourself the Truth: Find Your Way Out of Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Anger, and Other Common Problems by Applying the Principles of Misbelief Therapy" by William Backus. You can get used copies on Amazon.com for around $4.50. This book is life-changing!

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8/11/10 12:24 P

Wow can I relate to this......I am on a downward spiral and HATE feeling this way!!!! I have a great family but for whatever reason feel like I'm losing everything. Feel like a failure and not good enough for my husband. Everyday I just want to be happy and all I can think about is how my husband is so successful and I'm such a loser!!!!! He deserves so much better than me!!!

Sick of feeling like a constant failure to myself and others. If I could lose 20 more lbs maybe that would help but my body is absolutely disgusting age is very unforgiving!

I want to be bubbly and happy for my kids and husband and stop feeling like I should put a bag over my head!!!!!

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8/11/10 10:57 A

This is my biggest struggle. I would NEVER EVER talk to someone in the way I talk to myself. I believe in others more than I believe in myself.
I have just started to "listen" to how I talk to myself and I am blown away. It would kill me if my kids ever talked about themselves like I do.

It is definitely hard to stop and I can tell it is going to take quite awhile to stop, but what keeps me focused is my children. I don't want them to think of themselves so poorly. I look at my beautiful daughter and I think the biggest gift I can give her is self confidence. So I need to have self confidence.

That...and well, disliking yourself is really exhausting. I want my energy back dang it! I've wasted too much time ripping myself apart.

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8/11/10 10:13 A

Stope the stinkin thinkin by taking a long hot candle lit bath

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8/11/10 9:00 A

Stinkin Thinkin is a pattern of cyclical, self-destructive behavior. Acknowledge it for what it is. It's not honesty. It's a detriment to your health. You won't want to exercise or eat right if those healthy behaviors induce more self-flagellation.

You WILL develop consistency if you associate health with rewards.

Consciously replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts and planning. For every negative thought you catch yourself thinking, write it down; then write down a positive response. Think of it as having a conversation and learn to differentiate between problems you can address and self-slander.

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8/11/10 8:32 A

I love the idea of only saying to your self what you would say to a friend. Man thats good. I'm gonna start trying that. What has been working for me is I say I can be fully committed to anything for one day, for one hour for one minute. During exercise when doing squats I have to say I can endure anything for one second, for 30 seconds, for one minute

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8/11/10 5:18 A

I remind myself that things could be worse.
And I make sure that I combine my tutoring downtown with fitness classes (also downtown) - if one is after the other, I tend to go regularly.

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8/11/10 3:00 A

goal list on refrigerator, reading motivation posts on SparkPeople.

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8/11/10 12:04 A

i use humor... i think about a funny line in a book or a movie.. i remember how good it feels to laugh...

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8/10/10 11:12 P

remind myself of how far I've come and that I should be proud

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8/10/10 7:39 P

Think of at least three things I am thankful for

Edited by: REGILOVE at: 8/10/2010 (19:40)

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8/10/10 7:10 P

Get out and move...no excuses!

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8/10/10 7:05 P

Powernaps are a great way to keep depression and stinking thinking away...rest is essential to coping with life's hiccups amongst our perfect plans...smile and take time for a nap..you won't regret it!

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8/10/10 5:15 P

I tell myself to quit being a baby and head to the gym. Everytime I go to the refridgerator and look for munchies I ask myself if I am really hungry or bored.

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8/10/10 2:31 P

I only record my weight when I have a loss. And stay off the scale except for once a week or less. The very best frequency of weighing in is once a month, because if you're staying on track you will almost always see a loss over a month. Most of all, don't let the scale sabotage you. We all know that scales lie!

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8/10/10 1:59 P

Talk myself out of the negative self-talk.

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8/10/10 1:58 P

Those are all good! I think we all have a list of things we know help. Mine is to reward myself (usually, just to toss a penny in a dish to mark the success) when I "do things right." Last time I gave the change (about $4.55 in a couple weeks) to charity - there's always a jar out here to aid community members with no insurance facing medical trauma.

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8/10/10 1:17 P

All I know how to do is pray

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8/10/10 12:54 P

The first 5 min of my day I rejoice in God. My day is surprisingly awesome when I praise God for all
things. Romans 8:28 "For we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."

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8/10/10 11:04 A

I log on and read all of the great suggestions and success of others on spark and I almost instantly feel better.

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8/10/10 10:02 A

The battle that rages in my head is far worse than the one that rages in my stomach. I haven't figured out yet how to overcome the "stinkin' thinkin'"

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8/10/10 9:45 A

"Preventative Medicine"... During my 30-minute commute everyday, I listen to my own, homemade inspirational, motivational pep-talk that covers all my current gratitudes and goals set to a background of music. Keeps my mind from wandering, keeps me focused and excited about the day!

Now we're talking!!!

Edited by: B_HORTON at: 8/10/2010 (09:47)

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8/10/10 1:51 A

Use my motivation board/pictures and think of the reward - actually it's daydream about the reward...

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8/10/10 1:15 A

1. Spend a few minutes thinking how good you feel when smaller clothes fit.

2. Watch the inches and use the scales much less, weigh once a fortnight, 3 weeks or even a month - I feel demoralised when the scales go up or don't budge, so I weigh when I know that even if I don't see a 'positive' change, I have the solace of having lost inches.

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8/9/10 11:19 P

I have a friend who would watch me eat really healthy while she would say she could never eat that healthy and this is what I told her, because this is how it works for me...
Of course we all have our fixes and given the opportunity and a moment of weakness we may eat that cheeseburger, ice cream or whatever food haunts you, but my method was to cut the thoughts off at the pass. When I'd get cravings I'd quickly eat something healthy and filling at which point I'd realize I did't need the bad food and the healthy stuff was just fine.
I do the same with the gym. There are days when I just don't want to go, but then I try to remember how good I always feel after a good workout and I just stop thinking about it and just go...go to the gym as quickly as I can because I know once I am there I will workout and the bad thoughts did not win.

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8/9/10 10:42 P

I don't let myself think too much about pounds lost. I weight myself every week, but the scale has never shown the improvements that I have made. I measured my inches lost for awhile, which showed more of my progress, and now I concentrate on how strong I feel, how much more cardio I can do, how I want to exercise and eat healthy, and how much healthier I feel. These are much more rewarding than the scale!

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