Crock’s Thoughts

Hmmm… well, that’s the kinda deep question that makes you stare thoughtfully out a window while dramatic music plays in the background.

My main strategy actually comes from the Bible, specifically Philippians 4:8:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

So, here’s the problem with negative thoughts… or any thoughts for that matter: you can’t just turn your brain off. It’s never just a blank slate.

If someone says, “Don’t think about a donut,” what immediately pops into your brain? A big, fluffy, glazed donut. Possibly two. Maybe with sprinkles. Hmmm… maybe apple fritters, too. Oooh… maybe a big maple-iced longjohn. I’m like mentally running a bakery in my head now. Lol!

Umm… wait, what was I taking about? Oh, yeah…

Anyway, back to the story… the point is, our brains just don’t like empty space. I mean, I’ve been accused of a little extra space between my ears… but that’s not the point. If you try to simply stop thinking negative thoughts, your brain will say, “Oh! You mean these negative thoughts? Let’s review them again in slow motion.”

So, the trick isn’t to kill the thought… but replace it.

That’s where I try to swap my negative thoughts with something that’s true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or admiral. When my brain starts playing the “Greatest Hits of Worry, Fear, and Embarrassing Things I Said in 1997,” I try to redirect it to something excellent and praiseworthy.

Now, if your replacement thought happens to be your favorite Tootsie Roll, I’m not judging. Whatever works. Although I suspect the apostle Paul probably didn’t have Tootsie Rolls specifically in mind when he wrote that verse.

Now, I must confess… I’m still a work in progress. Some moments include noble, pure, and admirable thoughts. Other days they’re more like, “Why did I say that weird thing in a conversation three days ago?” Or, you know… pretty girl in a bikini walks by and my thoughts are not all that pure… I mean… umm… nevermind… 😳

But the key lesson I’m learning is this:
You may not always control the first thought that pops into your head… but you can choose the one you invite to stay for coffee.

And if all else fails, there’s always a Tootsie Rolls! 😄