Your Closest Frenemies

⏰ Mindset Minute

{December 6, 2022}

I recently came across a quote that read,

“Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions.” —Jane Austen

I laughed and thought, “Man, talk about good mental health!”

And then I got a little sad, because all too often my own thoughts aren’t my best companions. And if I’m being totally honest, all too often they can be my worst companions.

There was a research study by the University of Virginia in which individuals were given the choice to either sit in silence for 15 minutes or get an electrical shock.

Turns out, most people would rather get shocked than sit with their own thoughts!

How crazy is it that people perceive sitting with their own thoughts as more painful than an electric shock??

Now, for most of you reading this, sitting with your thoughts, meditating and making time for stillness isn’t an issue. For most of you reading this, you actively go out of your way to sit with your thoughts.

But during the hustle and grind of the day—while growing businesses and expanding the limits of your comfort zone— are your thoughts your “best companions,” or do they bear a slight resemblance to Regina George?

If you’ve got an inner Mean Girl on your shoulder, this TEDx Talk is for you: “How to talk to the worst parts of yourself” with Karen Faith

It’s a beautiful reminder that giving voice to the chatter and whispers in your mind is more of an act of self-love than you’d think.