RightThink
Over the past few years, equating to a decade or so, I've found myself quite lost when attempting to develop a goal or purpose in life. Large, life changing decisions bring forth paralyzing fear that culminates in a mental breakdown of sorts - an existential crisis that plays out again and again.
I've come to realize that the issue stems from “WrongThink” - destructive or non-beneficial thoughts that provide no substantive value to one's existence or goals. My mind is particularly adept at generating "WrongThink" as it spirals through a cascade of rumination and worry. "What about this", "What will you do if", "what will people think?" - my desire to control, or predict, external circumstances has led to the growth of paralyzing fear and confusion. When you're thoughts are swirling about in chaotic bursts it's difficult to discern anything.
I've sought help, both through therapy and my own means. Therapy was mostly worthless, but the resources I have found have helped somewhat. They resources led me to the notion of RightThink - of not allowing one's thoughts take root around worry dread and items outside of your control. While I can actively acknowledge this is the correct path forward, following it is another endeavor all together. You'll recall just recently the previous night's dream of a girl I used to know. That is an example of WrongThink - dwelling on a false images of a past relationship that never even existed. Questioning your life choices and goals over incoherent images that plague you in the night is not healthy. Those false images should be replaced with the here and now - positive things one can change and impact.
Dr. Charles Stanley states it very eloquently when he references the prison of the mind that is just as real as you and I and much more impactful. James Allen highlights that thoughts are the root of actions and that no man's thoughts are a secret as they spill over into his character and being for all to bear witness. The Buddhism Guide references the natural suffering of the world and how thoughts are the first step to overcoming needless suffering while The Christian Mediation Podcast provides soothing words to sleep by. Lastly, if the path of calm enlightenment is not your style, Wes Watson gets in your face and tells you to find your answer though pushups on the floor - “adversity introduces a man to himself”.
While I'm attempting to steer XX years of WrongThink to RightThink, I throw out a warning to you that perhaps you can begin on this journey sooner and not be so ingrained in the false practices I've adopted. I have no doubt we are entering trouble times in which we must not dwell, but rightfully consider and ponder the issues we have control over.