replacing a negative thought..

[kjgeiger7061]

Hi all,
I was wondering... if you have a certain thought that seems to be the core of what keeps reminding you of what to be negative about- and you can't really find a replacement statement that is believable, what do you do? Like I don't even know sometimes what to say to it. Because I believe it's going to happen so it's hard to believe it's not. Do you know what I'm trying to explain. And that is what leads to a whole new string of what if's.

It just is a thought I can't seem to get rid of. And then I get down on myself because I feel I need to conquor this positive thing or I won't get better. Does the rest of the program help out even if you still have those nasty little thoughts?

Thanks...

[bna]

The program definitely does help even if you have still have some negative thinking. It helps you to recognize them. negative thinking is definitely a bad habit. Replacing the negative thoughts can be hard. I struggled with this. Then I remembered Ken on the tape saying "just thoughts only thoughts". I kept repeating that mantra throughout the days.

Then you begin to recognize that its just thoughts and that they don't really mean anyhting. Its all the power we give them by dwelling on them.

I still will have days where I am particularly negative or obessive but I give myself credit for acknowledging my negativity and trying to to be more compassionate towards myself. This program definitely works beacuse I can hardly believe how far I have come in 9 months. Thank God. Take care and God Bless.

[Nina4]

I also have a hard time with this, it's like somehow more than a thought because it's the same one. My daughter is bipolar and has addictions. She's been to 2 inpatient treatments (addiction) and to a hospital for 6weeks for bipolar stabilization. But my negative thought/s are all about this (I also grew up in an alcoholic home). It's "She's going to relapse, her friends are not trustworthy, she's going to make 1 mistake and her mind will never come back, she's going to end up hurt/dead. Everyone will know I'm a bad mom and blame me. My negative thought addiction is really strong, so I'm hopeful once I can process over to positive thought addiction that will be so awesome. One thing is true tho on session 3-the positive thoughts are usually closer to the truth. Like, she's been working her sober program, going to meetings and a counselor, it's been pretty impressive (1 pain pill slip since last March). Her friends have been helpful this year at school actually (even tho I'm still wary). We have a doctor that is watching her bipolar and is competent and caring. And I can't control everything she does, or that happens in this life, and I deserve to be happy as well. If I focus on today... I have all my teen nephews over for a few days, they are laughing and having fun (with my silly husband too). My daughter is socializing and hopefully staying sober and safe. I am excited to get out the halloween decorations and deck out the house. See, even really bumpy roads can be viewed differently. At least we're on a road - we may not be able to see around the bend no matter how hard we try, but if we keep moving forward we'll get there.

[kjgeiger7061]

I have a thought that keeps scaring me and it just is so hard to keep negative. Because it keeps coming back. I give it a positive thought and will be positive for a while..and then do either of you guys or anyone find yourself getting negative again about it, and then its like a huge circle? I need help with this. I know I just have to be positive and replace the thought right away , but I get very down on myself when it comes back. It's hard:( And im not sleeping because of it-- so that always reminds me of what im thinking about. Have anyone actually had a really negative thought that took some time to actually get over... It seems like every other day its bad and then im ok. It isn't fun:(