Intrusive Thoughts & Overthinking: Separate Yourself from Your Thoughts

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

I love the silly voices idea. I immediately went to helium balloons in my head. Like, writing negative thoughts down and reading them off in helium speak. Just like Bogarts in Harry Potter, seeing them in a silly light takes away their power. Brilliant!

[@chrisdigitalartist]

Hi Julia! Senior Shifter Chris here! I really love today’s video, Intrusive Thoughts & Overthinking: Sperate Yourself from Your Thoughts. I am an overthinker! This was such a great reminder to help separate ourselves from our thoughts, become neutral and to look for other thought options, especially thoughts that are helpful, healthy, serving and productive. Being a shifter, I have learned so much information and sometimes I can just forget just how many tools I have - so this is a nice reminder! One example I can give is when I did a commission art piece for an ice cream shop. The owner did not like my first attempt and even called it “Clip art” which could have been insulting - especially since I totally disagree, I think that piece that I did was more artistic if anything, I was finding inspiration from vintage print ads and I painted as such. However, I didn’t take it personally and I didn’t overthink it, we just communicated more and I knew now (and even agreed) what he wanted. He wanted a character(s) with more personality and movement. That is what I did. He liked that. I got paid. Done. The old me would have thought I was no good and ruminated about how much he didn’t like my first attempt and I would have stayed stuck and that and I would have not been able to pull back and look at it from a neutral place. Here are my notes: *Cognitive diffusion: A skill or technique that is primarily used to detach, separate or get some distance from our thoughts and emotions. (@thephycologygroup) (Not fusing every thought that comes into our mind) *Intrusive thoughts can be thoughts that you take things personally, or critical and self-judgement thoughts. *Overthinking can be ruminating thoughts (Oh I shouldn't have said this, I should have said this instead…etc…) *To separate ourselves from thoughts, we need to zoom out and look at things more neutrally and look at other options or thoughts that are helpful, healthy, serving and productive. What we can do to develop cognitive diffusion: 1. Notice our thoughts as thoughts. (I noticed I am having the thought that…) 2. To recognize that we ALL have an inner critic. (You are not your thoughts; you are the thinker of your thoughts.) You can also give your critical voice a name. 3. Say your critical thoughts in a silly voice. (It will help you see the absurdity of your critical thoughts and it will bring you laughter.) 4. Picture a dear friend that you love, value and respect, coming to you with the same situation you are going through. (Give yourself compassion and understanding as you would a friend) 5. Wipe off the icky! (Physically wipe off the icky from your body) 6. This is a thought. Is this thought Helpful? (We don't have to believe everything we think.)

[@daniellejones6339]

Love this! ❤️ I feel like I latch on to my first negative intrusive thoughts. I catastropize. I have been fighting this for 40 years. It's so draining. This is helpful to even consider my thoughts or conclusion is not necessarily the truth!

[@aidanfrombach6989]

Yeah that’s long time to deal with this. Ive been dealing with this for like 12 years

[@heaven7360]

I need to listen to videos such as this to keep reminding me of what's going on. I'm grateful for your clear and confident explanation!

[@c004857]

I am this! My thoughts run crazy then I believe them until I become a nervous, worried wreck.

[@heaven7360]

hard to see that so many thought experiences are so deceptive and not the end all be all...when they're happening. I think it takes a lot of practice and reminding ourselves to get to the point where we realize what's going on. It can be really interesting except for me, during a particularly stressful challenge. I just don't want to take meds. For me, I couldn't take the side effects or the withdrawal symptoms.

[@MariaVazquez-du3st]

Same😢

[@williamkahlert3611]

I thought it was only my problem! It's probably why I have not achieved anything within society! I imagine what they are all thinking about me, and it's never good. I do get clear thinking from getting away on a mountain hike, zoom out see the bigger perspective. Thanks for this video.

[@rogeliocamarenajr.714]

I think most times is not about a cognitive coping skill. Most times is a dysregulated nervous system (your body) sends those thoughts to your mind. Therefore a somatic skills need to be put in place. Respectfully, My point of view.

[@MrNext50]

We need more people like your Auntie Ruth

[@KarenStClair-cs1gd]

I really love this video!! My biggest struggle lately has been if I notice a pretty girl and notice my husband looking at her, it automatically makes me super insecure and my mind goes to town with so many awful thoughts. I wish you can make a video specifically for married couples💕. Thank you for all you do!!

[@coryw31]

I'd be asking your husband why he's checking out girls instead of women!😮

[@heaven7360]

yeah...takes a lot of trust to be a person.

[@sydastark]

Your aunt sounds like a helpful wonderful powerful woman 😊

[@jason_a_smith_gb]

I just think, “This thought is not for the greater good, go away!” and it does.

[@kathybishoff2836]

I have been falsely accused of doing something by people that don’t know me! This has had such a negative impact on me. I have been un-able to stop the intrusive thought from playing on a loop over and over. Even feeling guilty for something I didn’t do! How ridiculous is that!? “It’s just a thought, Is this thought helpful?” Absolutely not! Thank you!

[@biblicalgodisonlytruegod]

You really CARE about people.

[@pattid5507]

But how do you stop overthinking when you know your thoughts are true?....

[@joanryan2242]

This is so helpful for me...thank you I try and put them on "the bench" and put them aside. Im 66 now and finally I really find this video " makes so much sense!!!❤

[@stefedmalta]

So so needed this, i am soooo tired of these thoughts.

[@edfield2647]

This subject is definitely one i am interested in researching and learning. I would love to be free of these negative and hurtful thoughts.

[@lesliengo8347]

The thought that our thoughts are just thoughts sets the stage for other life changing methods.

[@richardgraber1477]

Thank you. I have ocd so this video addresses some of the problems I deal with.

[@keith-annstone4762]

I have struggled with panic attacks stemming from fearful or negative thoughts. Your teaching is the first clear explanation of what's going on in my mind and how it affects me physically. Thank you for excellent content, and I'll be putting this into practice!

[@isabellrc]

I do too. It’s has been a vast struggle for me. I’m want very much to work on making personal changes regardless of how I feel. Julie, is a wonderful therapist & gives her all.

[@stefedmalta]

I get anxiety attacks that are so painful I can not even handle my own self. Needed this video ...thank you

[@isabellrc]

A Shifter, who is so thankful I found Julie. She has given so much of herself to HELP so many people. No, recreating & making changes is NOT easy. I want more than what my thoughts, feelings & behaviors have brought me to. It Is A work in progress. One day at A time 🙏🏻✌🏻❤️

[@yawboakye5804]

Hi Julia! Thank you for the video. I have a problem with this and believe my thoughts and thinking their true. What your saying makes sense to not listen to our thoughts. Your videos help me to love myself and to do better everyday.

[@Marekcatholic]

Those attempts to say a thought in a silly voice were so funny! I had a thought today Im struggling to keep up with things, people are gonna reject me! Thinking about it in a sillly voice made it lighter! Thank you Julia! Great video.

[@isabellrc]

Hi, Marek.. Are you not a Shift Society Member? Your name handle is throwing me off.

[@Marekcatholic]

@@isabellrc Sorry , didnt see it for a while.Yes I am in a Shift Society. Im Marko. Are you Bella?

[@jennifergrebe7602]

Omg I am going to use these skills

[@thanksyou1665]

This was soo great and very informative I appreciate this so much thank you ❤

[@NextChapter111]

Thank you. 🙏🍀🤍 My brain defaults to the "worst case scenario" all the time... and I've recognised how this leads to my sabotaging my friendships and connections as a result. This video really helped me re-member the truth... I'm downloading this video so I can watch again when my mind defaults to unhelpful thoughts again. I absolutely LOVE the funny voice thing... that's GOLD 🏆💛🏆.

[@MartinaMaria621]

Hi Julia thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. You are so warm kind and wonderful !❤

[@captaindan1000]

Sometimes I question if I'm enough and other times I'm told I'm too much. It's not pleasant to put up with but at least I can make fun of it either here or somewhere else.

[@stevecatanio8532]

Hi Julia! You make me feel good to see you

[@jennifergrebe7602]

Glad I found these videos,

[@locust334]

Hi Julia, Another great video. Keep up the great work. Your channel has been a godsend to me. You are brilliant!!!

[@thenebraskan6977]

Thanks so much for the awesome video Julia. I especially love the part about the technique Auntie Ruth taught you. Have a great day 😃

[@isabellrc]

Hi Chris, I love seeing you here. You are so appreciated by all the people you give to, and your wisdom through your hard work is inspiring. ❤

[@reneeyachisko7989]

Reminds me of taking every thought captive unto Christ and also speaking scriptural truth to the lies that the enemy is trying to get one to believe. Great video!

[@deepamehta1110]

So useful. How’s this? I notice I’m having the thought that because I haven’t heard back, I’m forgettable and not wanted. We all have inner critics… these are just random associations. I don’t have to accept these thoughts, I am not my thoughts. It’s laughable bc I know I’m a kind, compassionate and true friend. It’s something going on with them, I already followed up once, it’s ok to let it go, it’s not about me! I haven’t done anything wrong.

[@AkashSharma-uz1sv]

I just got the best trip while watching this video, or may be that's the only thought I am choosing to see 😅

[@fenixrise1272]

Omg. Get the ick off of you is so fun! It has just worked for me! Thank you, auntie Ruth and Julia ❤

[@rachaelwoods4569]

Thanks for letting me know about Nova, I was going to wait until my birthday in October to get this but looks like I need to get it now!

[@terryfinnigan6313]

Thanks Julia really helpful tools to manage those unhelpful thoughts

[@trudy.2019]

I’m Gertrude from Ghana. I’m new here . I need to manage my anger or I may lose all my relationships 😢

[@angelisland22]

Amazing content. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge,

[@urskabrandt6629]

❤ thank you

[@henkusholtkamp7584]

Thank you for this video grtz from Holland🙂👌🍀

[@mrs.hopson9426]

Love this

[@williammorgan3243]

Thank you Julia, helpful as usual Will 🇬🇧

[@ritika2067]

Can you please do a video on maladaptive daydreaming

[@NFSMAN50]

Hello Julia!! Happy Thursday my friend, this is a great and informative video, thanks for this ❤

[@terriwhalen3618]

I read in the Bible this morning, "Take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ Jesus" Amen!

[@floridanativelh568]

One of my favorite and most claimed scripture❤

[@terriwhalen3618]

@floridanativelh568 God Bless you 🙏

[@nnatalie50nn]

Absolutely 💯

[@terriwhalen3618]

@@nnatalie50nn amen

[@Faith.M22]

Amen ❤

[@fayem1336]

Great video! Thanks

[@mdminhazurrahaman2237]

i am liking your videos, these are helping me a lot, thank you very much. but i think i would be better if you make a little shorter videos like 15-18 min.

[@aidaandrade7857]

What if it’s a scary thought that just pops into your head? My daughter is pregnant and and I was at work and the thought “what if she dies giving birth” popped into my head and I was like “what the heck!” I don’t want to think this.

[@CDPW]

All the voices sounding like Waluigi will be my life from now on.

[@bibianapatino]

Gold

[@KarenBeadle-i4z]

Would like to learn hear more I'm struggling with negative thoughts and overthinkin never use to be like this I'm in a rut don't believe my own mind big change since menopause I have just came across you are there any mindfulness videos please

[@isabellrc]

You are not alone. I’m struggling with this too. Julie is a wonderful resource

[@KarenBeadle-i4z]

@@isabellrc how do you find her I've lost her lol do you subscribe?

[@fabianaduarte8620]

Very good

[@ymoy8635]

in my recent conversation with a new friend. I suggested him something very personal about us and I express it in a natural way He reacted strongly and blamed me to be suspicious I told him not to overthink and not to stick to some thoughts that he may have himself, those thoughts is just his thoughts that may create him bad feeling & emotion apparently my suggestion has triggered him not in the way I wish to go. what should I do? I feel very pity that he overthink it. I don't blame myself but I feel very pity we cannot continue the conversation is there anything wrong with me that I should know?

[@dealwithemotions]

Very good video, thank you! I also deal with this issue on my channel to help people.

[@skrame01]

Why is it that certain people do not want to pronounce the word "important" correctly? Is it because the concept of "importance" is now considered bad by certain sects of society, who can't be told the right way to behave?

[@vallang4832]

Your mind believes everything you tell it. Read that again.

[@MariaVazquez-du3st]

Or your mind feeds you thoughts that you believe?

[@ShawnicornMindshiftCoaching]

Ha! I came up with a great inner critique name. A Mashup of my mother Charlene and sperm donor Ed. Ched is the asshole in my head. It's equal parts of their bullshit, when I'm unkind. I started noticing after healing, I was incredibly unkind and rude before. Not all the time, but enough. I'm shocked I have friends lol Thanks for your content! Much appreciated!

[@terriwhalen3618]

😊

[@superlady2960]

❤❤❤❤

[@bineschiff2270]

I really like your content, I just wish your delivery weren’t so dramatic 😢

[@MariaVazquez-du3st]

I am really comfortable with the way this therapist comes across, and I am interested in what she talks about. Maybe I'm not a loser or a reject ❤

[@danjohnson8138]

✌️

[@brittbritt9791]

💟💟💟💟💟