Ignoring Negative Thoughts

Lake Blanche - July 2011

"It has been estimated that the average human being has around 50,000 thoughts per day. That's a lot of thoughts. Some of these thoughts are going to be positive and productive. Unfortunately, however, many of them are also going to be negative--angry, fearful, pessimistic, worrisome. Indeed, the important question in terms of becoming more peaceful isn't whether or not you're going to have negative thoughts--you are--it's what you choose to do with the ones that you have."
- Richard Carlson

We only have two options when it comes to dealing with negative thoughts. We can either analyze, think through and ponder them or we can choose to ignore them, pay less attention to, and not take too seriously. In trying to have a more peaceful life, learning to take them less seriously is the most effective.

" When you have a thought--any thought--that's all it is, a thought! It can't hurt you without your consent... If you ignore or dismiss a negative thought that fills your mind, a more peaceful feeling is only a moment away. And, in a more peaceful state of mind, your wisdom and common sense will tell you what to do." - Richard Carlson

What peace have you experienced by ignoring negative thoughts?

Have a great weekend!