PTD

So, I've been looking into these things called "Negative Thought Distortions" over the holidays. I think I've mentioned them before. Fundamentally, they're a thought that is coloured too negatively, out of proportion to what the reality of a situation is. But, from everything I've read, all of the answers were just "get a positive attitude" or "look on the bright side". So I did that actually, and I think I found a good balance between negativity and reality somewhere along the line.

But none of the websites I saw talked about the opposite part of the spectrum to negative Thought Distortions; Positive Thought Distortions. People don't tend to place "positive" thoughts in a negative light (obviously). But, they can be just as detrimental.. I think what can happen is that, if you get too caught up in trying to throw away bad thoughts and instantly think of positive alternates, then there's going to be the same mental distortion that's created when your logic is clouded with negative thoughts. And really, in some cases, I think PTDs are potentially far worse to go through, because instead of having lowered expectations and a meek outlook on the future and past like you do with NTDs, you've got high expectations, and a general euphoric elatedness going on. Since you're so "happy". But then once reality hits, you realise that you've overestimated reality, so your "positive attitude" doesn't seem so positive anymore. Then after hitting this brick wall, it's easier to fall into a relapse with NTDs, since expectations are lowered again. In a way it makes it harder to trust yourself too, because it's such a fine line between a beneficial positivity and one that's totally overshot and crazy in hindsight.

I just think it's really important to mention the idea of PTDs, because just from all the overly positive articles I've read, they seem to think being negative is the only thing you have to worry about. Which just isn't true. So I don't know if the writers of those articles just don't want to make their whole "be positive" spiel seem less impressive so they don't mention PTDs too, or if they've just genuinely never thought about it. Maybe it's something that doesn't need to be said. But I'm saying it anyway. So if some random person looking up negative thought distortions sees this, maybe they can help themselves in a safer way. Saves them from learning the hard way.

In the end though, reality is what we make it out to be anyway. Just kidding. That's total bullshit and anyone with half a brain would realise that. Unless you've got a mental condition that lets you see the world how you want it. In that case, sorry. But I doubt the majority of people who will read this will have that. Ahh there I go getting off on a tangent. I tried so hard to stay focused on this post.

OKAY! Back to the point.

In conclusion, managing balanced expectations is the best way it seems right now to be as happy as you can be, without going overboard.

Bed time now.