It's funny, Ava, I have this weird theory that whenever I write something that's uninspired on Substack, my audience can inherently feel it. Like they know when I'm phoning it in. I see that as a good thing, though, because it pushes me to rethink how I approach blogging. I try to only write and publish stuff that's inspired nowadays. :) I think you were wise to take a break. I'm still here!
It’s awesome hearing from you (even though I’m a couple of weeks late to the party)!
My thoughts affect me deeply so I try to be conscious of the story I’m telling myself when I feel them pulling me in a direction that isn’t beneficial for me.
Once I’m in a cycle, pausing, reflecting and reading a thoughtfully written non-fiction book is usually beneficial (even if the book isn’t about my particular struggle).
When the mind is busy, it's not only hard to pause and think about how to react appropriately but also causes problems like anxiety and other health complications because our body becomes used to the same thoughts and reacts the same (survival mode). The trap we have fallen into is thinking that we are our body and that the mind is us. We are not the mind or the body. They are simply tools to help us navigate this Earth. But the good thing is, we can rewire our brain to observe these thoughts instead of letting them control our decisions and behaviors. When we observe these thoughts, we can come from a more peaceful place that allows us to make the best decisions, and our body will dissociate itself from thinking that it must act in survival mode based on our thoughts.
Alexis thank you for such an insightful and thoughtful comment! I agree - especially without training ourselves to observe than allowing ourselves to be controlled!
I can really relate to what you wrote, Ava. I feel like I'm in a negative cycle right now. What helps me break out of it is going for a walk in nature, grounding myself, and connecting more with my body. I also speak positive affirmations and try not to focus on the negative. Some days it’s easier, some days not.
So so true, sometimes those physical wholesome acts are so powerful in breaking the cycle of negative thoughts of rumination! I'm glad you've found something that works for you!
This was a really interesting piece Ava and so true. It is so easy to be trapped in a web of negative thoughts which gives a bleak perspective on everything. Thinking lighter, happier thoughts makes me feel optimistic and brave., but it's hard to think that way sometimes.
It is incredibly difficult isn't it! I think sometimes focusing on not holding onto negative thoughts rather than shifting to positivity straight away helps me too! Less of a drastic shift, and more manageable, especially if my mood is low
It's funny, Ava, I have this weird theory that whenever I write something that's uninspired on Substack, my audience can inherently feel it. Like they know when I'm phoning it in. I see that as a good thing, though, because it pushes me to rethink how I approach blogging. I try to only write and publish stuff that's inspired nowadays. :) I think you were wise to take a break. I'm still here!
Thanks Tom! I agree, better to wait and publish things you truly feel good about!
Ava!!!! ❤️
It’s awesome hearing from you (even though I’m a couple of weeks late to the party)!
My thoughts affect me deeply so I try to be conscious of the story I’m telling myself when I feel them pulling me in a direction that isn’t beneficial for me.
Once I’m in a cycle, pausing, reflecting and reading a thoughtfully written non-fiction book is usually beneficial (even if the book isn’t about my particular struggle).
When the mind is busy, it's not only hard to pause and think about how to react appropriately but also causes problems like anxiety and other health complications because our body becomes used to the same thoughts and reacts the same (survival mode). The trap we have fallen into is thinking that we are our body and that the mind is us. We are not the mind or the body. They are simply tools to help us navigate this Earth. But the good thing is, we can rewire our brain to observe these thoughts instead of letting them control our decisions and behaviors. When we observe these thoughts, we can come from a more peaceful place that allows us to make the best decisions, and our body will dissociate itself from thinking that it must act in survival mode based on our thoughts.
Alexis thank you for such an insightful and thoughtful comment! I agree - especially without training ourselves to observe than allowing ourselves to be controlled!
I can really relate to what you wrote, Ava. I feel like I'm in a negative cycle right now. What helps me break out of it is going for a walk in nature, grounding myself, and connecting more with my body. I also speak positive affirmations and try not to focus on the negative. Some days it’s easier, some days not.
So so true, sometimes those physical wholesome acts are so powerful in breaking the cycle of negative thoughts of rumination! I'm glad you've found something that works for you!
This was a really interesting piece Ava and so true. It is so easy to be trapped in a web of negative thoughts which gives a bleak perspective on everything. Thinking lighter, happier thoughts makes me feel optimistic and brave., but it's hard to think that way sometimes.
It is incredibly difficult isn't it! I think sometimes focusing on not holding onto negative thoughts rather than shifting to positivity straight away helps me too! Less of a drastic shift, and more manageable, especially if my mood is low
I get really sleepy when I am feeling afraid. I also get nauseous from anxiety. There is definitely a connection.
Thank you so much for this great post. I can absolutely relate to it these days. I think what you write is very meaningful and relatable. 🤍🤍
Thank you Katharina 💛