One of the great lessons in life is to realize that feelings follow our thoughts. We can change the way we feel by changing the way we think. This is a great help in times of stress, grief, and loss. How we conceptualize and judge an event produces the way we feel.
This truth, that our judgments about events and people create the way we feel, is the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is one of the most successful psychotherapies currently available for mood disorders. You can take that element of truth and apply it to your own life.
Look at the way you feel, and examine the way you’re thinking. See the connection between your thoughts and your feelings. If you’re feeling depressed, sad, or lonely, stop and look at the way you’re thinking. Notice how your thoughts are negative, how they focus on loss and pain. Then try to change those thoughts and replace them with positive, realistic ones, thoughts that build you up and encourage you.
