How to shift a negative mindset instantly
The barrage of negative thoughts overflowed to the point where it filled the interior of my car.
“You’re lazy.”
“You’re never going to find a job.”
“Why are you like this?”
It’s not unusual for me to talk to myself like I’m a drill sergeant in an imperialist army’s boot camp but this time something was different. For months now, I’ve been learning about the mind and the power it holds. How one negative thought can spiral into hundreds and lucky for me, exactly how to stop the spiral before it gets tangled. As I write this, there’s another attack on my mind.
“This isn’t any good.”
“No one will like it.”
“You’re using too much figurative language.”
Then it happens, the shift. I come back to the present moment and I remind myself of my power. These thoughts hold no weight because they aren’t true. They’re attached to a part of me that has been criticized, neglected or underestimated in the past. A collection of hurt hoping to never get hurt again.
“Silencio, Bruno!”
Recently I watched Disney’s latest film, Luca, a charming animated feature with a lasting message of not allowing yourself to succumb to your fears. In the magical Disney way, the writers were able to translate how to silence negative thoughts in a simple, comedic fashion. The titular character, Luca allows his fears to take over before taking on any new endeavor. Luca’s friend Alberto introduces him to an interesting method of getting over his fears. Alberto refers to any negative voices in his head as Bruno and he tells Luca to shout, “Silencio Bruno!”
To break free from negative thought patterns, try yelling “Silencio Bruno!” and get on with your day. The reason why this is a clever method is it brings you back to the present moment and allows you to release those negative thought patterns. Perhaps that mean voice in your head isn’t Bruno, maybe it’s Carol, or Frank. Whichever name sticks, remember to shout “Silencio!” very loudly.
I used to think I was the only one struggling with overcoming negative thoughts but I soon found out that a lot more of us are plagued by our own minds. The mind can be a beautiful place or a horrific one, the choice is yours. Remember, those negative thoughts are not you. Where you have been isn’t where you are going. If the negative thought spiral happens to you, come back to the present moment and shout, “Silencio Bruno!”
