My positivity experiment

Three days ago, I proposed to some forum members, “Let’s try only thinking positive things about having TMS for 3 days and see what happens.”

Well, I tried it, and I have to say, good things have happened. I instantly felt great—really good emotionally and much better physically (mainly because I’m not focusing on it). Seriously. I know it sounds corny and Pollyanna, but it’s true!

I’m going to try it for another 3 days. Every time I start to think anything negative about having TMS, I
turn it around. Like this: “I’m glad my mind is protecting me. I’m glad I’m learning things because I have TMS. I’m blessed to be alive, and my symptoms make me aware of my existence. My symptoms make me feel strong because I’m learning to ignore them and be happy anyway. I like the challenge of having symptoms because they’re like a good workout. They’re making me stronger as a person. If it weren’t for my symptoms, I wouldn’t be learning so much about myself and fixing my life so much so I’m so thankful to have them for now.”

And then I just proceed to be happy as if I am. Fake it til you make it. But now I’m much happier, so less faking is needed. It does require an effort to get this train rolling, however. (TMS likes the negative. It’s the lizard brain’s favorite place to be.)

Anyone care to join me?

 

I'm in! I'm feeling pretty down today-symptoms are back and while I know this is not a linear healing process, I wish it was. So I think your post is a sign that I need to reframe my thinking as I finish out the SEP in the next two weeks. For today, I will counteract any negative thought with a positive one! I honestly have just felt sorry for myself this morning and haven't been able to shake it yet. I was glad to see your post and challenge!

 

@Joulegirl ,
Yay, join me! It takes a certain amount of willingness and humility to do it. I know when I’m feeling sorry for myself, I don’t really want to stop feeling sorry for myself! But you are willing, already. That’s great!

Hope you feel better! Hugs! ❤️

 

I'm still in.

I love doing these kind of experiments.

While there are so many different methods and approaches to things and always something suggesting this is precisely the "right" way (don't do this, do this, etc) and as discussed in the other thread, I love learning about those and different experiences, doing your own experiment seems like it will always be helpful and best path. (I think there is a Buddha quote paraphrased “Do not believe anything simply because I have said it. Test it for yourself.”)

And, approaching things like I would an actual research study (background research, develop hypothesis, method, results) is fun for my brain!

Looking forward to hearing how it goes!

 

Perfect! Let’s see what the next 3 days hold.

 

Honestly Day 1 (yesterday) was hard. I am very negative to myself. I literally had to tell my brain to stop being a bully. Since I was in a lot of pain yesterday I just had to keep repeating the mantra-"I'm ok. There is nothing wrong with me." Here's to Day 2...

 

Yeah, this exercise really teaches you to see what you’re thinking, right? It also takes a lot of correcting of your thoughts. It got a little bit easier for me as time went on, but still a lot of babysitting of the brain.

This is a book that really helped me with how I talk to myself. It took some time to let the book soak in and to begin to do what it said, but it drastically changed me and how I feel and how I feel about myself. It’s called Feeling Good, by David Burns. You might want to check it out!

 

I wanted to report in on this experiment.

First off, I want to clarify, this was intended to lift thoughts about TMS itself, from not resenting it, to looking for positive perspectives on the experience. (It’s not meant to whitewash life with lies.) Another forum member pointed out to me that it’s possible this experiment could do damage if we suppress negative feelings.

Sooooo…. With that in mind. My second 3-day stretch has been positive overall, even though I’ve been in the throws of a flare and some challenging explorations of the past.

I actually think in these 6 days of this experiment, I’ve softened my view of TMS and welcomed and noticed how this entire experience has already blessed my life with knowledge, healing, amazing new friends, and an overhaul of priorities and general enlightenment regarding my existence.

I can feel the emotional uplift from looking upward. And it has had the side-effect of diminishing my pain (emotional and physical), even when it flares, because I have less resentment. Resentment really does some ugly things. And people in pain resent it! That’s why they get grouchy.

So I’d say this experiment has been a success for me. Anybody else have results they like?

 

Nice! Those are great affirmations. Glad they are helping you feel better.
I used to always repeat, "I like myself. I like myself. I like myself" which is something that Brian Tracy used to teach in The Psychology of Achievement."

 

I'm going to be honest and real. I couldn't focus solely on the positive. I did try and talk to my brain. That wasn't the issue. I think I'm just dealing with feelings right now that have bubbled up after my unsent letter and journaling this week. I feel the most intense rage right now and get mad about little things. But here's the thing....I am feeling it right now, not stuffing it down because anger and rage are scary. So it's a win for me!

I'm glad that this has changed your mindset and you are feeling better mentally. I'll be there too-one day!

 

I think you’re doing the real work so don’t even think about positivity right now! This experiment was just to see if I could feel a little less miserable about having TMS. It really wasn’t any kind of official idea by anybody who knows anything. But, we do know getting the rage out is important— so you’re doing what the work is! If I could, I would feel more rage right now; it’s so hard for me to let myself feel it.

 

Agree - @Joulegirl, I see the positivity in your post as well.

You're being true to yourself and not forcing anything which is so awesome.
And, as @Diana-M mentioned the intention of this kind of an experiment isn't to try to stuff anything down, resist, or bypass -- for me, it's been another opportunity to explore the possibility of seeing situations differently. Approaching with curiosity.
Trying things out.
How does it change my energy?
What happens when I consider there might be something positive here?

It seems you're doing that too by seeing the "win" in your experience of not "stuffing" it down. A different way at looking at experiences.

I'm working on a project in another area (unrelated to TMS) about the powerful potential of perspective shifting. It's truly fascinating to be reminded yet again how changing the way we see things doesn't just change the way we think about it, but can actually activate different regions of the brain and open up new pathways for neuroplasticity.

Sending strength and support your way.