Have you ever noticed how some thoughts just show up out of nowhere and suddenly, you’re spiraling?
“I’m not good enough.”
“I always mess things up.”
“I’m not like the others.”
“I’m so behind in life.”
“Why can’t I just be normal?”
You’re not alone. I’ve been there, and honestly, I still catch myself going there sometimes. And when I’m not careful, those thoughts become the lens I see myself through.
These kinds of thought? They’re called ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). They show up fast, feel super convincing, and they can really mess with your confidence, often making you feel small. And the worst part? Sometimes, you believe them without even realizing.
So… why do ANTs show up?
Sometimes ANTs are old thoughts that we picked up from past experiences, things people said to us, ways we were treated, or how we learned to “protect” ourselves from being hurt or judged. They often show up as a way to keep us safe, but they end up keeping us stuck.
But here’s something I’m learning, and maybe it’ll help you too:
Just because a thought is loud doesn’t mean it’s true.
That’s where PETs (Positive Empowering Thoughts) come in. They don’t ignore the struggle. They just help you respond with more kindness, compassion, hope and truth. This is where we have a choice.
It’s something that helped me (and maybe it’ll help you too). So, instead of:
“I’m not good enough.”
Try: “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough right now.”
“I always mess things up.”
Try: “Mistakes mean I’m trying, and trying is brave.”
“I’m not like the others.”
Try: “Maybe I’m not like them, and that’s okay. I bring something unique to the table.”
“I’m so behind in life.”
Try: “There’s not fixed timeline. I’m not late, I’m on my own path.”
“Why can’t I just be normal?”
Try: “We’re all just trying our best in our own way.”
Your thoughts shape how you see yourself. If the ANTs show up on autopilot, then we get to choose which PETs we want to practice until they become our new default.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being kinder to yourself, one thought at a time.
Wanna Try This With Me?
What’s one ANT you’ve been thinking lately?
What’s one PET you’d rather practice?
You can drop it below, or just say it out loud to yourself.
Let’s remind each other: we’re not our worst thoughts.
This stuff takes practice. But you don’t have to do it alone
