Why do we let others inform us what to think? If we closely examined all the thoughts we have during a twenty-four hour period we would see that a vast majority are recycled thoughts, especially the ones pertaining to our self-image. Unless, of course, we are one of the fortunate who are confident and reassured, most of our thoughts commonly hold us back or wrongly inform us who we are. These borrowed thoughts accumulate like rubbish over time and need to be approached like the recycling we are encouraged to do at the end of every day. By sorting the good from the bad, like separating paper and plastic, we can decide to keep the helpful things and discard things that endure and rot.
Picking through our thoughts is similar to the act of recycling. The objects unable to break down or take many years to break down, are like discouraging thoughts; sometimes they aren’t even our own, but other people’s misguided opinions about us, based on little knowledge. These thoughts no longer serve a purpose, but sit causing us unnecessary stress. They’re not good for the environment and are tainted with such negativity they aren’t healthy for our minds. However, there is something we can do about it. We can either push negativity to the far corners of our minds where it will still have an impact on our actions – or we can turn it into something helpful, like turning plastic bottles into reusable containers or making compost out of food scraps.
If we can discover the good within, then we can mould the energy into something positive.
The uplifting thoughts are the ones we want to multiply and hold on to. They represent the things which are simultaneously good for our environment and our minds. They bolster our confidence when sorely needed, boost us when we are feeling low, and encourage us to do better. They, like multi-purpose, sustainable products, are worth hanging on to. In fact, we would do good to nourish these particular thought patterns because they make a positive impact not only on ourselves but branch out and touch other lives as well.
Negative thoughts touch lives other than your own as well. It’s up to you, which you decide to contribute.
Often we aren’t conscious of the fact that the thoughts we entertain are not even ours. Sometimes, they are an accumulation of other people’s beliefs about us; what they think we are capable or incapable of, what they think our strengths or weaknesses are. Over time, they solidify, become immovable and are a drain on our energy, similar to unsustainable products that do not decompose.
If we took the appropriate time and measures to become aware of our thoughts and their origins, we would be better off. It is empowering to think for ourselves and not be told what we should think. It is also surprising to see just how many thoughts we unconsciously absorb and indentify as our own.
Adopting a truly positive attitude would enable us to see the inherent potential for good in all things, whatever their original make-up. Being able to take part in the birthing process of something good in the world is a wonderful opportunity and honour. Making rash judgements on appearances can lead to missed chances for growth. A plastic bottle may be turned into a number of useful things, just like negative beliefs about ourselves can sometimes propel us to change our way of thinking.
Recycling promotes sustainability and a healthier environment. Taking responsibility as consumers will lead to a thriving world; every bit helps, even how insignificant you might think it is. Our thoughts can be tackled in the same way; recycling the positive thoughts, being aware of the negative ones and learning to transform them into something useful, will promote a healthier mind. Even small changes can make a great impact, whether regarding the environment or our thoughts.
