Thoughts Are Not Facts

I read this quote from a book the other day and I thought, “OMG, YES!” The quote was this: “Thoughts are not facts. They are a mix of opinions, judgements, stories, memories, theories, interpretations, and predictions about the future.” And because we treat thoughts as “facts,” we get ourselves into a whole lot of trouble.

Let me share a few thoughts and you decide whether or not these thoughts are facts. University of Michigan beat the University of Washington in the National Championship last night—fact. We are in a tough real estate market—true, but not a fact. Mars has lower gravity than Earth—fact. I don’t have a choice—not a fact. I’m too old—again, not a fact. Winning the lottery will fix everything—nope, not a fact. This is just how I am—definitely not a fact, but may be true.

Think about one thing that is really bothering you and ask yourself, “Is this a fact or did I conjure up a collection of opinions, judgements, stories, theories, and interpretations that are supporting my very unhelpful thought? Chances are…it’s not a fact. And you might want to interject here and say, “But, it’s true.” We can hide behind true all day long and our friends and family will support our thoughts and our stories, but it isn’t making anything better. And it might be making things worse. Thoughts are not facts so be very discerning in how you treat them.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth

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