Separate Fact From Fiction - Judy Belmont

Many thoughts we treat as facts are really interpretations

 Many interpretations are so automatic we do not know they’re not fact

 Examine your thought habits so that you are aware of what is your “default” way of thinking – only then can you change them.

 As you can discern facts from your take on things, you will feel more positive and empowered

 Realize when you are just telling yourself stories!  Nothing is wrong with being a story teller – just know when you are!

 Stop upsetting yourself with nonsense that you believe to be true

 Stop over-catastrophizing and making mountains out of molehills

 Refuse to feel like a victim and feel more like a victor

 Be more solution focused and not problem focused

Activity for Your Separating Fact From fiction

Take a magnifying glass to remind you to be “thought detective” to look behind what you are thinking and identify distorted thinking that is fiction rather than fact. Remind yourself that when we interpret, we are telling ourselves stories.  There is nothing wrong with stories – but just know that they are not real or true!

Remember, when you can not separate fact from fiction, one plus one does not equal 2, and not even 11, but numbers that don;t make sense, like 145!  And the more irrational you live in the land of fiction, the higher the numbers go up!

So take your magnifying glass and identity your thought habits – and make sure you can distinguish between the stories you tell yourself and the actual facts at hand!