In this episode I go through some thought "equations" so I can work through some of the negative thoughts that might ruin my experience at the Vision Christian Writers Conference this weekend if I keep thinking them.

Here's the basic equation:

Circumstance

Thought

Emotion

Action

Result

Now I'll plug my thoughts, etc. into it:

C - Writers Conference

T - I don't belong here

E - Fear/shame

A - I don't connect well with anyone

R - I feel like I don't belong and I don't enjoy myself

If I catch that thought and do an intentional equation, I can turn it around:

C - Writers Conference

T - I'm so glad I get to be here

E - Excitement/anticipation

A - I connect with other writers and learn as much as I can

R - I enjoy the conference

Here's another thought equation:

C - Writers Conference

T - I haven't accomplished enough since last year

E - Guilt/shame

A - I don't talk about what I have done or what I want to do

R - I don't move forward with any of my writing goals

Now let's catch that thought:

C - Writers Conference

T - My writing journey is a marathon, not a sprint

E - Relief

A - I keep moving forward instead of looking behind me

R - I make slow, steady progress on my goals

Here's one last thought:

C - Writers Conference

T - I don't look good enough

E - Self-conscious

A - Shrink and hide

R - I focus on how I look

Now let's turn it around:

C - Writers Conference

T - I am loved and chosen by God

E - Peace/joy

A - I look at others instead of myself

R - I make new friends and radiate God's love

I hope you can see how doing these equations might help you catch the negative, unhelpful thoughts bouncing around in your mind. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

You're invited to join my free, private Facebook group. You can also check out more of my writing at robynmulder.com and therobynsnest.org.

If you deal with mental health problems like depression or anxiety, I invite you to check out my book Staying Away from the Edge. It's available on Amazon.

Thanks so much for listening!