August/September 2025 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 30

We may have an inkling, but barreling ahead without seeking clarification can lead to misinterpretation and harmful or irrational conclusions. Your mind assumes the worst and fast. One offhand comment becomes“ They hate me.” A delay in response becomes rejection.

Shift: Slow down and ask,“ What else could be true here?”

Worrying about the future can lead to fixating on the worst possible outcomes and horrible what-ifs, then treating them as if they are predestined even when they aren’ t likely. You imagine the worst-case scenario, every time. One mistake spirals into“ My whole life is falling apart.”

➡ Shift: Try naming the actual facts of the situation. Then name what’ s not happening.

Become aware of endlessly looping thoughts, especially if they are dwelling on something hurtful, embarrassing, or painful. They are trying their best to point you towards a healing opportunity. If you replay conversations, mistakes, or decisions over and over, you may be trying to rewrite the past through mental rehashing without addressing the emotional roots.

➡ Shift: Pause and ask,“ What feeling am I trying not to feel?”

Dwelling on all the possible negatives while screening out or negating all the possible( and often probable) positives. You notice only the negative, even when things are going well. A single criticism cancels out ten compliments.

➡ Shift: Gently redirect your attention:“ What else happened that I haven’ t acknowledged?”