They Are Often Reporting On It
This may challenge something you've heard for years.
We've been told:
"Your thoughts create your reality."
And certainly, our thinking matters. But what if that statement is only partially true?
What if many of the thoughts running through your mind are not creating your experience?
What if they are reporting on an experience that is already happening inside your body? Let me explain.
Imagine you turn on the evening news and the weather reporter says:
"We have dark clouds, heavy winds, and rain moving in."
The reporter didn't create the storm. The reporter is simply describing it. Your mind often works the same way. Many of your thoughts are not creating your emotional state.
They are describing your emotional state.
Have You Ever Noticed This?
You wake up one morning feeling anxious. Nothing bad has happened. Nobody has called, no emergency has occurred, no catastrophe has unfolded. Yet you feel uneasy.
And within minutes your mind starts producing thoughts such as:
"What if something goes wrong?"
"What if I don't have enough money?"
"What if this deal falls through?"
"What if I fail?"
The mind immediately starts creating explanations. Most people assume the thought created the anxiety but often the anxiety was already there. The thought simply arrived to explain it.
The Storyteller In Your Head
Your brain is constantly trying to make sense of what you're experiencing.
If your body feels safe, your thoughts tend to be optimistic.
If your body feels stressed, your thoughts tend to become fearful.
If your body feels overwhelmed, your mind starts looking for problems.
If your body feels peaceful, suddenly life doesn't seem nearly as difficult.
Same life.
Different state.
Different thoughts.
Think about that for a moment.
Have you ever noticed how much brighter life looks after a good night's sleep? The problems may not have changed but your nervous system has and suddenly your thinking changes too.
Why Fighting Thoughts Often Doesn't Work
This is why so many people get frustrated with positive thinking. They try to replace every negative thought with a positive one. Meanwhile their body is still carrying stress, fear, tension, exhaustion, or overwhelm.
It's like trying to convince yourself you're relaxed while your shoulders are up around your ears. Your body knows the truth.
You can't always think your way out of a state your nervous system is holding onto. You have to address the state itself.
A Personal Example
Years ago, if I woke up feeling worried about money, business, clients, the future, or any number of things, I often assumed the problem was whatever my mind was focused on. Now I ask a different question.
Am I actually worried about the issue?
Or am I tired?
Overloaded?
Stressed?
Carrying too much?
Not getting enough quiet time?
Often the issue isn't the issue. The nervous system is simply sending out a signal and the mind is trying to explain it.
Learn To Read The Signal
This is where real awareness begins. The next time a fearful thought appears, don't immediately believe it. And don't immediately fight it.
Instead ask:
"What is happening inside me right now?"
Am I feeling pressure?
Fear?
Uncertainty?
Exhaustion?
Overstimulation?
Disappointment?
Take a breath.
Slow down.
Become curious.
The thought may simply be a messenger.
The Broadcast And The Witness
One of the most powerful ideas I've encountered is this:
Your nervous system is constantly broadcasting a signal.
Your mind is interpreting that signal. If your nervous system is broadcasting fear, your thoughts often sound fearful. If your nervous system is broadcasting safety, your thoughts often become more creative, optimistic, and resourceful.
The mind is not always the source, it is often the witness.
The commentator.
The narrator.
The translator.
This realization can be incredibly freeing because it means you don't have to argue with every thought that passes through your mind.
You don't have to believe every scary prediction.
You don't have to wrestle every worry to the ground.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause and ask:
"What is my nervous system experiencing right now?"
A deep breath.
A walk outside.
A conversation with a trusted friend.
Prayer.
Meditation.
Rest.
Laughter.
Music.
Nature.
All of these can change the state underneath the thought. And when the state changes... The thoughts often change naturally.
Remember: The weather reporter didn't create the storm and many of your thoughts didn't create your feelings.
They may simply be describing them. The mind is often the most articulate witness to what your nervous system is already broadcasting.
Do you need a bit more support with slowing your mind, redirecting yourself, or finding your way forward? Have you lost sight of your purpose, your passion, or what truly matters most?
Let's find your path together.
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You don't have to figure it all out alone. Sometimes one conversation can change everything.
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To Your Success,
Lee Milteer
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