I’ve adopted a new practice lately. Unfortunately, I can’t remember which book, blog, podcast, newsletter or smoke signal I discovered it, but here it is:

For every one negative thought that comes into your mind, actively think [and even, if possible, say out loud] three positive thoughts.

Simple, yes.

Easy, no.

This practice requires me to be more mindful of my thinking than ever before. After all, you have to be aware of your thoughts at all times in order to capture the negative ones and counteract them with positive ones.

I think if I can be consistent with this practice, it will help with the whole “brain rewiring” thing. 😉

Here are a few hypothetical examples of how this could go:

Example 1:

• I’m relaxing, when my 12-year-old dog starts whining for no reason.
• The negative thought occurs: Stupid, demented dog…
• I recognize this as a negative thought
• I counteract the negative thought with three positive thoughts
  • I love this stupid dog. He’s been with me through so much, and he’s still so cute and loving.
  • I love my other pets, and I’m thankful for this as well.
  • We’re having such a nice, cozy day at home together.
• As a result, I feel calmer and more understanding and willing to deal with the whining dog.

Example 2:

• My stomach hurts after a huge, greasy meal.
• The negative thought occurs… and spirals: “Why did I eat that? I’m so stupid. But wait, what if it wasn’t the food? What if I’m having stomach cramps because there’s something wrong with me. What if I have cancer? What if I’m dying?”
• I recognize this thought spiral
• I counteract it with three positive thoughts
  • I really enjoyed eating that junk food earlier. It might not have been good for my body, but it was good for my spirit. At the time, and that’s OK. I will learn from this experience.
  • My body is fine. I am safe. There’s a logical reason why I’m feeling this pain, and it’s only temporary. It will pass. I’m thankful for the general health of my body.
  • I’m thankful that I have access to medical care if I need it. I’ll take a Tums and calm down.
• As a result, I feel calmer, with less anxiety and pain

You get the picture. If you’re struggling with negative or anxious thinking, try it!

3 positive thoughts for every 1 negative thought.

“​​And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7