Lesson 1 of 4 · 2 min read
Thoughts are not facts
A thought can feel completely true and still be one possible interpretation, not the whole truth.
Your mind produces a constant stream of thoughts. Many are helpful, some are neutral, and some jump to conclusions before you have all the information. That is normal — a fast, automatic mind is human.
The difficult part is that an unhelpful thought often arrives with the same certainty as a fact. You might think 'they didn't reply because they're annoyed with me' and feel the sting immediately, without ever stopping to ask whether it is accurate.
A useful first skill is simply noticing the difference between a thought and a fact. 'They haven't replied yet' is a fact. 'They're annoyed with me' is an interpretation your mind has offered.
Reflection
Write down one thought that has been on your mind lately. Then write the plain facts of the situation, with no interpretation.
For example: Thought — 'Everyone noticed my mistake.' Facts — 'I made a mistake in a message to three people.'
Kept on this device only. Nothing you write is sent anywhere.