I think you find that idea in the AA aphorism "Fake it till you make it." The concept is to intentionally act and think differently until your actions and thoughts really do become different.
As an alcoholic, my brain isn't my friend. It constantly wants to go down the dark, dreary, and dangerous paths that became so foot-worn during my drinking. As another aphorism says, "Poor me, poor me, pour me a drink."
I have to consciously alter my inner dialogue by going to meetings, reading and reflecting on the literature, and praying. If I don't do those things, I may not necessarily feel an urge to drink, but I certainly do become morose and self-centered.
-- Edited by Q on Thursday 27th of June 2013 09:45:01 AM
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The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. ---William James
One comes, finally, to believe whatever one repeats to one's self, whether the statement is true or false. --Napoleon Hill
Our inner dialogue can have awesome power. It often determines the behavior that defines who we are. We do, of course, have some choice as to the direction this inner dialogue will take. It's as easy to affirm our self-worth with positive messages as it is to tear ourselves down with negative ones. And yet, many of us fall so easily into negative patterns of thought.
As with so many aspects of our life, we become proficient at what we regularly practice. The regular, preferably daily, use of positive affirmations can make such a profound contribution to our well-being and willingness to grow and learn, that it can change the course of our life. All we have to do is develop the discipline to make these positive messages habitual. In so doing, we bring our vision of ourselves in line with God's, Who accepts us completely as we are.
The messages I give myself today will remind me that I am a capable and lovable child of God.
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
One of the gifts I have received from my Higher Power is that when the negative thoughts flood my mind I can hear a whispered, "Hush, child" even as the hamster runs on the wheel. If I listen to the whisper, I can scoot the hamster away. I used to think I was my thoughts. I now see they are something I experience. It's nice to give the hamster a break.
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
You are what you think ... ... ... so when people look at me, they see a big ole bowl of 'ice cream' ...
No, seriously, our words and our actions speak volumes as to who we really are ... it's what makes up our true 'character' ... negative people are abundant these days, we live in a predominately 'negative' world ... even our everyday speech is so very negative ... ask for directions, and if they involve going past traffic lights ... 9 times out of 10, the person will say 'go past the next 2 'stop lights' then turn this way or that ... why not say 'go past the next 2 'go' lights instead ???
As a child, we hear it hundreds of time a day ... don't do this don't do that ... don't be late, don't eat that, don't watch that, no to this, no to that ... you can't do this, you can't do that ... you are not tall enough, you are not old enough, you're not smart enough, etc., etc. etc. ... ... ... it's a wonder we're not all psychos and total failures ...
This is one reason I think the above 'Daily Gift' is so 'right on the mark' ... it enlightens us to the key to 'change' ... to become who we wish to be ...
God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Good message here today! Thanks for the post Pappy!
A recommended read on this subject: The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz. It describes the problem- who our inner belief system is established by what we've seen, heard and been taught throughout our lives. Then the solution- the 4 agreements.
It's very easy reading- but powerful and Spiritual in content.
