Recognising Our Negative Thoughts
Last week I was having some photos taken for my web site. I wasn’t entirely happy with the results, nothing to do with the photographer or the setting, it was simply that I felt the pictures didn’t really look like me. Or, it’s probably more accurate to say they didn’t look like the image of myself that I want to project out to the world.
And from there my thoughts spiralled…
“What if I wrote a book that was so well received it became a smash hit and I then had to embark on a book tour. I’d have to speak in front of crowds. I’d have to be photographed at events and readers would line up for selfies with me. Maybe I’d even need to appear on the morning shows and in newspapers and magazines. BUT I photograph terribly, so of course I’d look awful in every single picture and my awful pictures would be EVERYWHERE.
Maybe it’s just better if I don’t even start to write the book. “
This is, of course, ludicrous thinking, and luckily I realised what was happening and was able to laugh at my frustrations.
Even with everything I know about writing, mindset, and limiting beliefs, sometimes these thoughts just take hold and run like crazy.
For you it might be a feeling of impostor syndrome – who are you to call yourself a writer?
It might be a fear of vulnerability – writing is taking our deepest thoughts and feelings and putting them on public view.
Or it might even be a feeling of guilt or selfishness about taking time away from family and friends and dedicate yourself to your passion.
The key is to notice when this happens and to identify the negative thoughts and gently guide them toward something more positive and honest. As Martin Luther said “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”
Happy writing,
Hayley
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