binary. Binary thinking is the thought pattern of rigidity and inflexibility. The perspective is, all or nothing. When you are identifying abuse, binary thinking is helpful, abuse is abuse, there does not need to be gray. But when your thought patterns discuss your competence and worthiness, gray needs to be invited to the conversation. Journal Prompt: A less binary way to describe myself would be...
Tag: Mental Health
Thinking Patterns, 1
Fusion. Fused thinking believes that your thoughts and your being are the same. I think that I don't belong, then I must not belong. There is separation between your thoughts and who you are as a human. Observation is an alternative. You can observe your thoughts and allow them to continue by. You are not required to formally adopt each and every thought you have. Journal Prompt: I would rather not adopt thoughts...
Anger, 9
needs. Don’t dismiss anger. It’s meaningful. It leaves a trail of what you need. Journal Prompt: My anger says that I need...
Anger, 8
distance. Work backwards. When does anger feel far from you? Like the moments when you take action on your boundaries. Or when you listen to your body, and respect what you heard. When is there relief from anger? Journal Prompt: Anger feels far away when...
Anger, 7
discovery. Fear keeps people from exploring anger. It’s normal to feel fear about what you might discover. It’s normal to rely on the relief of avoidance. It’s equally normal for symptoms to increase when anger is left unprocessed. We all have choices. Journal Prompt: If I process my anger I might...
Anger, 6
concealer. Anger is a functional concealer. It is an excellent coverup for pain, devestation, loss, fear, insecurity, anxiety, emptiness, embarrassment... Journal Prompt: My anger covers up...
Anger, 5
stale. Stale anger can linger from old family dynamics. Perhaps now repackaged, but with the same legacy. If anger has not been worked through, it will find a microphone. Journal Prompt: Old family dynamics have passed down...
Anger, 4
unsettled. Anger can bring out unkind parts. The parts of you that are unsettled and unwell. Like your unmerited irritability with a receptionist. Or the flares of judgment with strangers. These moments are pointing to something that needs your attention inside. Journal Prompt: I experience my unsettled and unwell parts when…
Anger, 3
passive. Anger often takes the passive aggressive route, which is to say it shows up indirectly and not toward what you are truly angry about. Like sometimes the trash bag doesn't fit the can correctly and rage shows up. Rage that more fittingly is toward the boundaries that were not respected yesterday. Journal Prompt: ...receives my passive aggressive anger.
Anger, 2
Underneath. Anger positions itself over unearthed emotions. Like disappointment, how it hides behind resentment. Like loneliness, how it loiters inside aggression. Journal Prompt: Under my anger is…
Mental Health & Journaling 