Beliefs that appear to be facts.

We can often mistake our beliefs and thoughts for facts. Let’s look at a scenario of how this works.

Imagine that you are returning home from work late at night. There is almost no one on the street, and suddenly you hear the footsteps of two men following you.

You think: “They definitely want something from me, what a horror, where should I run, there is absolutely no one on the street.”

The thought of danger makes you feel very anxious and afraid. Perhaps as a result, you will begin to speed up your pace and worry even more.

But, stop! Let’s imagine that you might think something else, for example: “These could be guys who are just hanging out or like me, returning from work.” Thinking like this, you are unlikely to feel much excitement, and you may even stop thinking about these guys.

The important thing is that in both cases the situation did not change: the street, dark, two men walking behind you. Your perception of the facts differs only in whether there is danger there or not.

When we are in a strong emotional state, especially if it is anxiety/anger, we often treat thoughts as facts. And we can draw unfounded conclusions.

But not all thoughts can be true. To test thoughts, you need to come to the facts.

For example: “Do men really behave strangely around me or do they just walk and talk about their business?”