Blog post by: Danny Pettry, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS
Cognitive Behavior Therapists teach us that our thoughts create our feelings.
If we focus on the things we lack and don’t have then we’ll fear poor.
Imagine a wealthy person feeling sad because someone has a bigger yacht than their own (which is shown in the picture).
Here are some poor thoughts:
- I don’t have that new car.
- I don’t have a really big yacht.
- I don’t have the money for that big trip.
- I don’t have that nicer and bigger mansion.
- I don’t own a second beach house on a private island.
- I don’t have the accessories and fine material possessions.
These thoughts make me feel… Poor. I feel like I lack things.
On the other hand.
Different thoughts create different feelings.
If we focus on the things we do have then we feel grateful and wealthy.
Imagine a person who is just very happy to have clean water, electricity, etc.
Here are some better thoughts (these are my personal thoughts).
- I have eyes that see.
- I have legs so I can walk.
- I do have an automobile that works.
- I have a job that pays me a salary every week.
- I have amazing parents who are still alive today!
- I had wonderful grandparents who passed on a lot of life lessons.
- I have a brain that can generate new and amazing ideas and goals.
People don’t create feelings.
Thoughts create our feelings.
I could blame people who have things that I don’t for my bad feelings.
But the truth is that my feelings are… my own feelings.
I’m the person who is responsible for my own thoughts and feelings.
I could choose to focus on the all of the things that I do not have and I’d feel lack.
However, I choose to focus on all the wonderful things that I feel grateful for and as a result. I feel wealthy.
The question is: What are you grateful for? Post a response and include 20 things you’re glad about in your life!