You know those moments in life where you feel as though the thoughts in your head are not only crazy, but true? The ones that quietly confirm your deepest fears and remind you that you are better off accepting what is right in front of you?

I recently had a weekly goal to go paddleboarding. The weather that week had not been exceptionally warm and your girl here believes it isn’t swimming weather until the temperatures reach at least 87 degrees.

Friday came and it was the one goal I had yet to accomplish.
Believe me when I seriously considered moving it forward to the next week. Instead I dug deep and leaned into the belief that I am not a woman who doesn’t follow through for herself.

Within milliseconds of the decision to follow through, the thoughts came flooding in unwelcomed.

🤔 It’s a bit too windy to paddleboard. I better not go.
🤔 I probably should not go paddleboarding alone. That doesn’t seem safe.

🤔 No one is able or wanting to go with me.

🤔 It’s definitely too cold.

🤔 My daughter is dropping her dog off and I might not be here when they come.

🤔 It’s definitely too late in the day and I have to pick my other daughter up from the airport in 7 hours.

🤔 Are there tales of a monster in that lake? I think maybe there are.

I wish I could tell you I’m making those up! It is fascinating to me the lengths my brain will go to in an effort to keep me safe and contained. I seriously considered staying home.

First things first I sent a text to my husband because if I told someone I was going, I would need to actually go. Then I called in my stubborn child and set about getting things together. We were doing this.

Three miles down the road I realized I forgot the airpump, turned my car around and considered staying home once more before hopping out to grab the pump and immediately jumping back in my car before I could think any longer about it.

Here’s the thing about our brains … they are literally designed to keep us safe and examine the situation from all possible sides. However, in an attempt to keep us safe we frequently look for what could go wrong instead of what we might gain. Had I considered the opportunity from the opposite side it may have sounded like:

💖 I can’t wait for that golden tan.
💖 Maybe I’ll run into someone I know paddleboarding and have a great time.
💖 I got a great workout while enjoying myself.
💖 I’m going to feel proud of myself for doing something uncomfortable.
💖 This is a perfect way to lead the rest of my day from a heart-filled place.
💖 What a perfect way to celebrate and end my week.

I wonder where in your life your thoughts have taken you hostage and you just believed them to be true? Is there a dream you have convinced yourself not to chase because you’re too old, too tired, too broke, too busy to chase, too _____ ? Are there friends you aren’t connecting with because you’re telling yourself you don’t have time or they probably don’t have time? Are you living safe instead of fulfilled?

You are not alone. We all go here in one way or another. And once you begin examining your thoughts, it actually can be quite entertaining! After celebrating the creativity of my sweet, little mind, I remembered to step back from my thoughts and instead look at how I wanted to feel and what actions it would take from me to achieve this.

Here’s a simple process to help you choose the thoughts and results you want to create. It is based on the principle that your Beliefs (the ones typically created in childhood) create your Thoughts which in turn lead to Feelings. Those three elements influence your Actions, which in turn create your Results. Makes sense, right? Because we don’t get any results unless we actually take action. For example:

Belief: I am not an adventurous person.

Thought: It isn't safe to paddleboard alone.

Feeling: Fear, uncertainty, disempowerment.

Action: Hesitation, staying home.

Result: Disappointment and feeling unsatisfied.

I can override my thoughts by working in any direction as long as I use the thought framework above.
Feeling: How do I want to feel? (Proud, strong, courageous, empowered)

Action: What do I need to do to feel this? (Go paddleboarding with or without someone)

Result: What result will I get from this action? (Complete weekly goals, feel strong & empowered)

Belief: What belief can I adopt to create a new thought? (I follow through with my promises)

Thoughts: What thought can I choose instead? (I will be proud of myself for following through)

It’s a simple process to help you embody the feelings, actions and powerful thoughts that create the life you desire through small, actionable steps. And with over 10,000 thoughts daily you have plenty of opportunities to practice!!

And guess what?! I went paddleboarding! I went alone. It was slightly chilly. I forgot to put the fin on so I spun around like a little top. But I didn’t die, hit my head on a rock, or come eye to eye with a mysterious, mythical lake monster. I did come away feeling proud of myself and encouraged that I could get out of my comfort zone and meet my own needs. I also know that next time I want to go paddleboarding I have already proven to myself I can do it uncomfortable.

So, what thought are you going to choose to challenge or rewrite today?

Remember, it’s up to you whether or not to:

1) believe your thoughts, or

2) rewrite your thoughts

Either way, you can thank them for keeping you safe and entertaining you in the best way possible!

Please hit reply and let me know the craziest thought that has run across your mind or one you’re choosing to rewrite. I would love to know I am not the only one who is secretly afraid of mythical creatures!

With love,
Caryn

Are your thoughts lying to you?

When falling apart is the goal