The only problem I’ve ever had in my life is believing a stressful thought I had no way of knowing was true.
They don’t like me
They’re mad at me
They betrayed me
They’re going to hurt me
I suck at _______
I’m stuck
I don’t deserve what I want
I can’t _______
The world is going to shit
This is dangerous
I’m in trouble
I’m screwed
I’m cancelled
I’m going to die
I can’t take it
I’m too tired
I’m in pain
I’ve been stupid
I am irresponsible
I’m too _______
They’re too _______
It’s too _______
I’m sick
It’s important to note that believing these thoughts does not automatically constitute a problem. If believing the thought causes me no suffering, it’s not a problem at all. If it causes me suffering and I want to suffer, again, no problem!
But if it causes suffering I don’t want, then it’s a problem, and if it’s a problem I want to alleviate, I know just where to focus my work:
On questioning the thought I’m believing.