The one thing over which you have absolute control is your own thoughts. It is this that puts you in a position to control your own destiny. - Paul G. Thomas
Negative thoughts have a limited time span but this time span can get extended by resisting them because they then become the focus over and over whereas if you accept them they become the focus only once. But even if you accept them you can still bring them up again and again so it is some times necessary to accept them more than once. The number of times isn't carved in stone but it is certainly a lot shorter than if you resist. Distractions are a way of accepting and moving on.
The other thing is that accepting and dropping them leaves them in memory as harmless whereas resisting them leaves them in memory as something to dread.
The amount of time it takes to get this to work of course depends on attitude and personality. If you keep putting negatives in memory because it is what you are used to doing that is what you will do.
You mentioned that resisting a negative thought wouldn't help getting rid of the thought, in another thread. It reminded me of the saying I mentioned "what you resist will persist", meaning, if you try to resist the negative thought, it won't help get rid of the thought.
It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success. - David Feherty
That's a great point. I find the resisting you mentioned in another thread, just doesn't work, though.
Shari,
Your avatar is a great off-topic treat.
Glad to hear you're well. What a beautiful avatar! I did get to see two sets of horses in the big city, with policemen on horseback yesterday.
I'm somehow connected to the horse too, because of my birth month, in the chinese calendar.
I do miss both of you when you disappear. I've been nursing mom back from some flu issue, after I had recovered. Getting going is like trying to move a battleship around, since I've had to stay in and keep my eyes on mom, as she gets better.
Sorry for one off topic post. Hugs, this avatar is for you. I know you love horses. It also represents me and how I am feeling; free and kicking up my heels and enjoying my life. If I disappear for awhile, know that I am well and I'm out there participating in all that life has to offer - thanks to this site and everyone on it :)