Yes, thoughts are things. And, each act of human creativity, every invention; indeed, all progress is preceded by thought.
Thought, combined with correct action and fortified by burning desire, belief, determination, and dogged persistence is almost unstoppable.
However, on another level, in this case an emotional level, let’s look at three different types of thoughts and how they serve or do not serve us.
Productive Thoughts: These make you feel good; they are empowering. Thoughts with positive, uplifting feelings put you in a good place for personal productivity, accomplishment, and overall happiness. While these good thoughts can simply happen on their own, by and large they are the result of choice and conscious awareness (and, in my case, a yellow sticky note on my computer that says, “FEEL GOOD!”)
Productive thoughts are also seeing the good side of something rather than the bad (congruent with reality) such as judging someone favorably when you don’t know their intent. And, very importantly, feeling gratitude for the many blessings in your life, big and small.
Neutral Thoughts: These bring forth neither good feelings nor bad. They’re not negative and they’re not positive. It’s not so much that they are realistic as much as they are without conscious thought.
Counterproductive Thoughts: Anger, resentment, ingratitude, grudges, etc., can absolutely eat away at a person. They result in bad feelings and, unchecked, can only undermine happiness. As one who for many years lived like that it’s still very easy for me to allow myself to fall into the trap. When this happens, I am now able to catch myself quickly (usually) and consciously interrupt the pattern.
These negative thoughts and feelings are fed through actions such as gossip, complaining, judging others unfavorably, victim-hood, accumulating debt and more. They also go hand-in-hand with poor self-esteem.
Every morning I read the brief email from Abraham-Hicks. Nearly 100 percent of the time, the message has to do with allowing yourself to feel good; consciously deciding to feel good. I read it so that I remember it. Without these reminders I find it too easy to forget; yes, despite the above-mentioned sticky note.
So, in the continuum of thought, from helpful to harmful, where do you usually stand?
How do you keep up the productive thoughts and good feelings? Any suggestions?
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Once again Bob you’ve delivered a thought provoking post – powerful in both its message and in its simplicity. I have subscribed to Mike Dooley’s daily TUT email for years in an effort to get good thoughts planted in my consciousness for the day. After reading this I have subscribed to the Abraham-Hicks daily message as well. Thank you.
Bill: Thank you for your kind feedback. So glad you enjoyed the post! Yes, I hear lots of great things about Mike’s messages, as well! {For information on Mike’s daily emails, visit http://www.tut.com/Inspiration/nftu}
Wow, love this post Bob! It truly IS all about feeling good…even/especially when things are going not-so-good.
Too often, people think “I’ll be happy when (fill in the blank)”, yet the truth is we can only get the (fill in the blank) WHEN we feel good. The “good feeling” thoughts comes FIRST. Every time.
When I feel not-so-good I reach into my “bag of tricks” and pull out something to help me feel better. Sometimes it’s music, sometimes it’s meditation, sometimes it’s exercise (which I abhor, but it DOES help), and most times it’s a beautiful, fun memory of something fantastic.
While I understand the importance of feeling good, that doesn’t mean I always DO feel good.
Abraham has been a fantastic teacher for me, as well. In fact, RIGHT before I read your wonderful post, I shared today’s quote from Abraham on FB. It says “The standard of success in life isn’t the things. It isn’t the money or the stuff — it is absolutely the amount of joy you feel.” Thanks for this inspiration Bob; I felt good before I started reading it and now I feel more good! 😀
Linda: Thank you so much. Since this topic is exactly what you coach and speak on, your kind feedback…well, it makes me “FEEL GOOD!” 🙂 Thank you. And, I enjoyed your teaching within your comments. Right on!!
Very well said Bob. It’s our emotionalised thoughts that creates. So feeling good is the beginning of favourable creation.
Sandeep: Great point. It certainly begins the process, doesn’t it? Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks Bob, great post!
I focus on what I am grateful for whenever I am feeling a negative thought coming.
“You get what you think aout most of the time”. So think negative and you get negative.
Josephine: Much thanks. And, thank you for sharing that lesson with us. Great idea…Terrific!
I agree with Linda, Abraham teachings are amazing for this type of growth and understanding of how our thoughts – Monkey mind can impact our daily and future outcomes in life. Enjoy the Journey
Have a great new week everyone
Carly: Thank you. Indeed, while not necessarily easy, the importance of consciously refocusing our mind onto the positive is so vitally important, isn’t it? Make it a great week, as well, Carly!