Rational Thoughts

You have an internal monologue that runs through your day.
Thoughts that are self-defeating or that provide unrealistic expectations
for you are irrational thoughts. Using words like always,
have to, and never can make thoughts irrational and expectations
unrealistic. Thoughts that produce second-guessing messages
such as “would have,” “should have,” and “could have” are irrational.
By focusing your energy on thoughts that will not resolve
problems or engage others in the here-and-now, you can send
subtle, hurtful messages to another person. Thoughts that are
uplifting and provide you with real solutions to everyday problems
are rational thoughts. Rational thoughts will not always provide
you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, but they will allow you to
see the possibilities to get through the challenges of life. Rational
thoughts help you to keep your perspective and priorities grounded
in the truth. When you begin to feel that your life is awful and
there is no hope, you are thinking irrationally.