In this episode, we take the next step in our Light and Truth journey as we learn to see clearly by shining light on distorted thinking.
Psychologists call these patterns cognitive distortions, you know those unhelpful stories our minds tell that cloud our peace. When we can name them, we can change them.
Take a few quiet minutes with me to pause, notice, and gently label the thoughts that twist your reality. You’ll leave feeling more aware, more compassionate, and more in control of your inner world.
10 COMMON COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS:
All-or-Nothing Thinking — WHEN YOU SEE THINGS AS ALL GOOD OR ALL BAD. “If I can’t clean the house perfectly, I’m a terrible mom.”
Overgeneralization — TAKING ONE EVENT AND ASSUMING IT ALWAYS HAPPENS. “I forgot to pack snacks today. I always mess things up.”
Mental Filter — FOCUSING ON THE NEGATIVE AND IGNORING THE POSITIVE. One child complains, and that’s all you can see.
Discounting the Positive — MINIMIZING GOOD EXPERIENCES OR DOWNPLAYING YOUR WINS. “The kids made me a card, but it doesn’t really count.”
Jumping to Conclusions (Mind Reading / Fortune Telling) — ASSUMING YOU KNOW WHAT OTHERS THINK OR PREDICTING THE WORST. “My friend didn’t text back. She must think I’m annoying.”
Magnification / Catastrophizing — BLOWING THINGS OUT OF PROPORTION. “If my daughter isn’t invited to the party, she’ll never have friends.”
Emotional Reasoning — BELIEVING YOUR FEELINGS ARE FACTS. “I feel overwhelmed, so I must be failing as a mom.”
‘Should’ Statements —STOP "SHOULD'ING" ON YOURSELF. HOLDING YOURSELF OR OTHERS TO RIGID, UNREALISTIC RULES. “I should never get frustrated with my kids.”
Labeling & Mislabeling —ASSIGNING A GLOBAL LABEL TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS. “I’m a bad mom.”
Personalization / Blame — TAKING RESPONSIBILTY FOR THINGS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. “My baby is fussy. It must be my fault.”
As Dr. Kristin Neff teaches, self-compassion is key. Be gentle as you notice and name these thoughts. You’re not calling yourself out — you’re calling yourself in.
Follow along on Instagram for visuals and mindfulness tools: @sunflowersessionswithem
