A few days ago, I was in the middle of an unpleasant disagreement with my girlfriend. I decided to stop and change track. After a few minutes, my girlfriend said, "I like the way you think."
What you think determines who you are. Is that a scary thought? How we handle our negative thoughts is important. They come out of left field to blindside you with debilitating emotions. But, do they really? What produces unnecessary thoughts? It could be experiences from our past, a TV show, a conversation, a book, an article or just the way we were raised. Step one is to ensure we're listening to the right people, protecting what goes into our hearts and raising our defences against unhealthy influences.
But what do you do when a thought hits the centre of your attention and causes you to stumble?
I learned a useful exercise recently. I use the acronym for the word t.h.i.n.k. to apply it to any thoughts which may seem unhealthy.
T - Is this thought true?
H - Is it helpful?
I - Is it inspiring?
N - Is there something I need to say?
K - Is what I am thinking and about to say kind?
By the time you run this little exercise past an unhealthy thought, chances are, it won't even be an issue. If you have to say something, make sure you've run it past this little exercise. And then pray that the other person will be able to receive it well and understand you.