You Are What You Think: Understanding How Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions are Connected
Ever hear the saying “you are what you eat?” Our physical bodies can certainly be affected by what we put in our mouths. The fuel we feed our bodies affects our energy level and our overall health. But how often have you really thought about the fuel you put in your mind? And how that fuel can affect what you do and how you feel?
Thoughts are the fuel of the mind. From a simple thought such as where to place your foot as you step forward to more complex thoughts involving making life-altering decisions, make no mistake that your thoughts help create your reality. We are constantly thinking. Even as we sleep, our brains are processing information that sometimes come out in the form of dreams. We wake with thoughts – what do I need to do today, or what am I going to have for breakfast. We go about our day having a millions thoughts involving what we will do, what we will say, where we will go, etc.
Our thoughts give us clues about how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Try this little exercise: take out a piece of paper and write down 10 words that describe you. I’ll wait…(you’ll want to write the words down before reading further).
Now look more closely at your list. Do the words you wrote down describe your physical self (how you look, your body) or your character (who you are, your believes, values)? Do the words have a more negative or positive spin for you? In other words, did you describe yourself in critical terms, things you don’t like about yourself? Or did you describe what you like about yourself? This is a quick little test to see where you are RIGHT NOW in your thoughts.
Once you know where you thoughts are, you have a better understanding of what drives your feelings and your actions. When we think negatively about ourselves, we typically feel bad (sad, hurt, angry, frustrated, worried, confused, etc.). And if we feel bad, we are more likely to make poor choices about everything – what we say and do, the food we put in our mouths, the amount of sleep we get, etc. Conversely, when we think positively about ourselves, we generally feel good (happy, content, peacful, at east, etc.) and make better choices.
For tips on how to use your thoughts to feel better and make better choices, please join me for my next monthly FREE Telseminar, “Suffering is Optional: Your Mindset Creates Your Reality.” Simply go to the REGISTRATION page at https://krylyn.com/free-teleseminars/suffering-is-optional, and enter your name and email to get signed up. Even if you can’t attend the live call, you will get access to the recording of the call, but only if you register.
Photo: Smile © by romainguy
