How I have not written about this previously, I cannot imagine. I was reminded recently on a number of occasions how we tend use the words “feel” and “think” interchangeably. Often, semantics (concerned with meaning or significance of words and the effect they might have with various audiences) is given a bad rap in that one might dismiss the use of words with the common phrase, “Oh, that’s just semantics!”. However, words are powerful! The old saying of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is such a myth! Any one of us knows that words can hurt and sometimes can do as much or more damage as the sticks and stones.
That being the case, we handcuff our mental health and may think of ourselves as “stuck” when we assign the word “feel” to some conclusion we have drawn; because when we see the conclusion as a feeling, we stop doing anything on our own behalf – after all, “that’s just the way I feel”. Common things we might have said or heard: I feel like a failure, I feel that I am not good enough, I feel like I am stuck, I feel like I should ____________ (fill in the blank), etc. All of these are thoughts, conclusions which can very well be questioned and modified to a more accurate, healthy way of thinking.
Simplistically: feelings are visceral, internal and thoughts are more the consideration of facts, evaluation of circumstances and logical or illogical conclusions.
We all have preferences about things and tend to feel good when those preferences are met. Examples of this are when we feel happy, content, or satisfied. When those preference are not met, we tend to feel bad. Examples of this are when we feel sad/depressed, concerned/anxious, irritated/angry, or remorse/shame.
We are all in process of becoming; therefore, are never failures as we always have the potential to make decisions that provide opportunity for things to turn around or to find some satisfaction and meaning in life. We are never actually stuck as we have the ability and responsibility to make choices that have the potential to benefit us – this is how we are valuable to ourselves. Yes, life will involve pain, but it can also be quite beautiful, full of wonder, excitement and meaning.
As you enter this New Year of 2024, make some effort to pay attention to distinguish between your thoughts and feelings. When you find yourself feeling “stuck” for instance, ask yourself if you are indeed stuck or is this a painful feeling related to a painful circumstance. Feel deeply and experience a broad range of emotions, but pay attention to the thoughts that prompt such feelings and make an effort to think in healthy fashion – more truth and accuracy. In any and all circumstances, you have the ability and responsibility as to how you will respond (think) and the choices you will make.
Happy New Year!
That being the case, we handcuff our mental health and may think of ourselves as “stuck” when we assign the word “feel” to some conclusion we have drawn; because when we see the conclusion as a feeling, we stop doing anything on our own behalf – after all, “that’s just the way I feel”. Common things we might have said or heard: I feel like a failure, I feel that I am not good enough, I feel like I am stuck, I feel like I should ____________ (fill in the blank), etc. All of these are thoughts, conclusions which can very well be questioned and modified to a more accurate, healthy way of thinking.
Simplistically: feelings are visceral, internal and thoughts are more the consideration of facts, evaluation of circumstances and logical or illogical conclusions.
We all have preferences about things and tend to feel good when those preferences are met. Examples of this are when we feel happy, content, or satisfied. When those preference are not met, we tend to feel bad. Examples of this are when we feel sad/depressed, concerned/anxious, irritated/angry, or remorse/shame.
We are all in process of becoming; therefore, are never failures as we always have the potential to make decisions that provide opportunity for things to turn around or to find some satisfaction and meaning in life. We are never actually stuck as we have the ability and responsibility to make choices that have the potential to benefit us – this is how we are valuable to ourselves. Yes, life will involve pain, but it can also be quite beautiful, full of wonder, excitement and meaning.
As you enter this New Year of 2024, make some effort to pay attention to distinguish between your thoughts and feelings. When you find yourself feeling “stuck” for instance, ask yourself if you are indeed stuck or is this a painful feeling related to a painful circumstance. Feel deeply and experience a broad range of emotions, but pay attention to the thoughts that prompt such feelings and make an effort to think in healthy fashion – more truth and accuracy. In any and all circumstances, you have the ability and responsibility as to how you will respond (think) and the choices you will make.
Happy New Year!
