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Our thoughts have been shaped and programmed by the world around us—through people, media and everyday experiences. Over time, this creates a kind of background script running in our minds: a negative thought narrative.
On the surface, categorizing thoughts as “positive” or “negative” might seem helpful. It offers us a way to choose where we place our energy.
“This is a negative thought. This is a positive one. Which one should I believe?”
But when we cling too tightly to these labels—especially the “negative” ones—we begin to suffer.
What Is the Negative Thought Narrative?
The negative thought narrative is the idea that certain thoughts are inherently bad, and therefore should be eliminated or avoided.
We often respond to these thoughts with judgment:
“I shouldn’t be thinking this.”
“This makes me a bad person.”
The irony is, the same mind that gives us these thoughts is also the one judging them.
Our minds reject the very content they produce. And that’s not a personal flaw—it’s a result of evolution.
When We Fight Our Thoughts, We Fuel Them
It’s normal to want to get rid of difficult thoughts. Sometimes, that’s even necessary. But the real struggle begins when we strongly reject our thoughts—when we believe they’re wrong, shameful, or a sign that something is wrong with us.
That’s when we end up in a mental tug-of-war.
If we treat thoughts like a problem, they become one.
If we label them “negative,” we start believing they shouldn’t be there.
And then, we feel like we are the problem.
This is how the narrative builds:
“This thought is negative.
This means I’m thinking wrong.
This means I’m wrong.
I shouldn’t be like this.”
Before we know it, we’re tangled up in a spiral—believing we’re broken just because we had a thought.
The Negative Thought Narrative: What’s Really Going On
Here’s the shift: It’s not our thoughts that are the problem. It’s our relationship with them.
That’s it.
What you do with the thought, how seriously you take it, and how tightly you hold it—that’s what shapes your experience.
Thoughts happen. They are not your fault. They are not truth. They are not accurate representations of your worth.
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Letting Go of the Negative Thought Narrative
Boycotting the negative thought narrative doesn’t mean denying your thoughts—it means loosening the grip on the label.
We get much more freedom when we reframe the story. And we do that by replacing the “positive/negative” lens with a kinder, more empowering one:
Helpful vs. Unhelpful
This shift is subtle but powerful.
Instead of asking whether a thought is positive or negative, try asking:
• Is this thought helping me right now?
• Is it helping me become the kind of person I want to be?
• Is it supportive, or is it keeping me stuck?
If it’s helpful, great—spend energy on it. If it’s unhelpful, let it pass. You don’t need to wrestle with it.
You don’t deserve to carry it—especially if it’s just another outdated message from your programmed mind. This shift alone allows you to hold all your thoughts with a lighter, wiser touch.
Conclusion
If we buy into the negative thought narrative, we’re buying into the idea that something about us is wrong. That our thoughts make us flawed. That our inner world is broken.
But that’s not the truth.
Let’s boycott the outdated idea that some thoughts make us bad people. Let’s hold our thoughts more gently. Let’s replace positive/negative with helpful/unhelpful.
And above all, let’s remember:
This thought is not negative. You are not negative. You are simply caught in a story—and you have the power to step out of it.
Recommended Course: Never Mind Your Mind
The Never Mind Your Mind Micro-Course (5-Day Audio Course) - Deepen your sense of spirituality with insights, tips and tools for unhooking from unhelpful thoughts.
Welcome to ‘Never Mind Your Mind’: Reuben’s Circle
Never Mind Your Mind isn’t just a body of work; it’s a community. By taking part, you’re contributing to a positive shift in the world. As you practice unhooking from your thoughts and taking them less seriously, you’re not just changing your life—you’re influencing the lives of those around you.
Join Community: Never Mind Your Mind: Reuben’s Circle in your Aura app.
As I often say, there’s a positive change going on in the world; it all depends on where we focus our attention. Together, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of the human mind and empower ourselves and others to live with greater clarity and compassion.
Life is tough, and there is gentleness within it. Let’s all pull through together.
Do you like the sound of this adventure? Not taking our thoughts so seriously, unless they’re helpful. Having a space to share and get validated.
To access the Never Mind Your Mind community on Aura, simply visit the Aura platform and search for our sanctuary. Join us to experience a welcoming space where resilience and spirituality unite. Here, you’ll find workshops, guided courses and tools to deepen your connection with yourself and others.
Together, we uncover insights, navigate life’s challenges, and grow into our most empowered selves. Start your journey today and be part of this supportive, transformative community.
Welcome to your new community, Never Mind Your Mind: Reuben’s Circle, only on Aura. Let’s get started!
- Join Community: Never Mind Your Mind: Reuben’s Circle in your Aura app, or
- Listen Now: Never Mind Your Mind (The 12 Day Audio Course) - Deepen your sense of spirituality with insights, tips and tools for unhooking from unhelpful thoughts.
There’s a positive change going on in the world. It just depends on where we focus our attention. Thank you for being part of the change.
Thank you for being part of the change.
Reuben www.MindfulCreation.com
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