When we begin to ‘do’ our affirmations we become much more aware of any negative thoughts, attitudes or beliefs we may have. This increased sensitivity is a good thing for it lets us know where to make changes. But what about the times when the thoughts seem to ‘play on repeat’ and we can’t seem to let go of them?

Because of the powerful Law of Attraction, it is not always easy to suddenly jump from negative thinking in certain areas to positive thinking in every area. In other words, your thought patterns have been building over some time and similar thoughts and situations to provoke this thought habit are coming at you. Fortunately, with consistent practice and determination, you can gradually yet totally improve your thinking and therefore the quality of your life.

I used to get frustrated when negative thoughts got into my mind and replayed over and over. I also worried about what the Law of Attraction would bring me in response to these thoughts!
I now realise that demanding to jump from one really miserable thought right into the best-thought-I’d-ever-thought thought doesn’t work very well. As Abraham says, you can’t hear what’s on 98.7 FM if your radio is set to 630 AM- and it is the same with thoughts. You have to be on a certain frequency to have access to certain thoughts; miserable and best-thought-ever are completely different frequencies.

Trying to order yourself to “stop thinking those thoughts about person X” or “erase that thought about situation Y” only makes things worse. Just as when someone says “don’t think of the Eiffel tower” and the Eiffel tower is exactly what you do start thinking about, fighting against negative thoughts doesn’t work. It simply attracts more of them to us.

So what do we do?

I have found that being kind and patient with yourself is a good start. You are always doing the best you can, so remember to remind yourself.

Example: I am doing the best I can. I am perfect as I am and where I am. It is becoming easier to change my thoughts. I easily take charge of my mind.  I can choose to think only positive, uplifting thoughts. All is well and I am loved.

Also- don’t get too obsessed with the power of each and every thought. You have a long time before anything unwanted manifests, so relax. Congratulate yourself for the positive changes you are making.

Example: I am doing very well. I am constantly changing for the better. It is increasingly easy for me to change my thinking. I am becoming a more naturally positive thinker. I am doing well on my journey. Things really are working out for me. I can change my thinking- I just need to relax. All in good time.

Rather than attempting to leap from a feeling of worry immediately into one of ecstatic joy, try a smaller step. Experiment with affirmations until you find one that feels good to you.

Example: I want to feel a little better. This too shall pass. Things always work out for me. Things are going to be ok.

Self-help author Dale Carnegie said “crowd worry out of your mind by keeping busy”. Jesus said “turn the other cheek” (meaning to turn away and focus on something else).
Use affirmations to distract yourself away from whatever thought or situation is bothering you and onto a better feeling subject.

Example: I easily focus on what feels good. Good feeling thoughts and experiences are attracted to me like a magnet. My life is constantly changing for the better.

Soon you will find a way to soothe yourself back into a good-feeling place.