Choose Your Feelings

Kyetu Catalyst. A spark to ignite change!
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your thoughts, as if they're driving you, rather than the other way around?

You’re not alone! Surveys conducted by organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States, and the World Health Organization have shown that anxiety and depressive disorders, which often involve overwhelming thoughts and emotions, are some of the most common mental health issues worldwide.

Often, we let automatic, impulsive thoughts dictate our feelings, and in turn, our attitude and actions. But what if we told you that you have the power to choose your thoughts and feelings?

Emotions are automatic and chemical reactions within our bodies. They can arise without our consent, triggered by external events or internal perceptions. However, feelings, the conscious experience of these emotions, are a choice. Your choice. You get to decide how to respond to an emotion, whether to nurture it, or let it pass.

Neuroscientists have discovered that our emotions often emerge faster than our conscious thoughts. This means that we might react emotionally to a situation before we even have a chance to think about it. However, once that emotional response occurs, we have a split second to choose how to react consciously. And that's where the power of choice lies.

So, how can you harness this power? Start by practicing awareness. Pay attention to your emotions and thoughts. When you feel a strong emotion, rather than reacting instinctively, pause and ask yourself: “Is this emotion serving me? Is it aligned with my values and goals?”

Next, challenge your thoughts. Our minds can generate automatic, negative thoughts that fuel negative emotions. Instead, lead with curiosity. Rather than accepting these thoughts as truth, question their validity. Are they based on facts, or are they distorted perceptions? Could you come at the situation from a different angle?

Once you've challenged negative thoughts, try to reframe them in a more positive or constructive light. This can shift your emotions and lead to more positive behaviors.

Additionally, practice mindfulness. Being in the present moment can help you detach from automatic, impulsive thoughts and emotions. It gives you the space to choose your responses consciously.

For today's Kyetu Catalyst, we’re inviting you to ask yourself: “Am I letting automatic thoughts control my emotions, or am I choosing how to feel?” Take a minute to identify a situation where you can practice this conscious choice. Is there a repeating situation where you often find yourself self-criticizing or feeling disappointed? Challenge those negative thoughts, reframe your perspective, and watch how it empowers you to be in control of your feelings.

Remember, your thoughts are a powerful tool, and you have the ability to shape your emotional responses. By choosing your thoughts consciously, you can lead a more fulfilling, intentional and peaceful life.

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