As humans, we are wired to learn from negative experiences as a way to keep us safe. Our ancestors needed this to survive.

Today, negative thoughts increase stress and decrease happiness.

By catching ourselves in these unhelpful patterns, we can start to reshape negativity.

Since negative thinking is often habitual, taking note of what we repeat, is where to start. Then we can ask ourselves questions rather than judge the thoughts, to begin the shift.

Separating, recognizing, then challenging our thoughts allows us to soften and put things in perspective. In doing this, we often discover that what seemed critical was manageable; what felt intolerable was a learning opportunity; what felt like overwhelm was actually fear.

Pause briefly today when you become aware of any negative thought patterns. Identify them, question their significance and notice how it helps you reshape and minimize the power of negativity.