The suffering you create

Did you know that the human brain is wired for negativity? In fact, over 80% of our thoughts are negative. Not because there’s something wrong with us, but simply because we’re human with a human brain.

Back in the primitive days, this brain of ours programmed for negativity is what kept us safe. With anything that was new or different, our brains would would alert DANGER! INCOMING THREAT! And it would try to protect us by making sure we were hiding in our little caves, limiting exposure from any potential dangers of the world. (If you’ve  seen the movie the Croods, you’ll know what I’m talking about)

And even though we as human beings have evolved over the years, and rarely is there a lion chasing after us, the brain still sends fire alarms thinking we’re exposing ourselves to a real life or death threat.

We can see this play out in our acne journeys too.

When trying a new product for the first time, our brains often go to the place of “What if it makes me break out?” (DANGER! POTENTIAL THREAT!)

When seeing a friend, our brains will say, “Oh, what if she thinks less of me because of my acne?” (DANGER! POTENTIAL THREAT!)

When posting on social media, “What if they think I’m ugly?” (DANGER! POTENTIAL THREAT!)

We often think of the worst case scenarios like, “What if it doesn’t work out? What if nobody loves me? What if I’m never going to heal from this nightmare?”

Again, we do this not because we’re broken and there’s something inherently wrong with us, but simply because we’re a human being with a human brain. As simple as that.

Now the question you need to ask yourself is, do I like the way my brain is trying to keep me safe?

I’m guessing no, because more likely than not, this is what’s keeping you stuck in your journey with acne.

You’re hiding in your cave away from the world, limiting exposure to any potential “threat” hoping that your acne just magically disappears one day and so does your low self-esteem.

But in order for you to heal, you have to put yourself on the line. You have to do the work (both internally and externally) and step out of your comfort zone.

Although you can’t reprogram your brain into thinking happy & positive thoughts all the time, here’s what you CAN do to support you on your healing journey.

Step 1: Acknowledge your brain.

When your brain offers you negative thoughts, remember it’s just doing its job trying to keep you safe. So you don’t have to get mad at it by pushing it away or ignoring it, but simply acknowledge it:

“Okay, thanks brain.”

“Okay brain, I see what you’re doing here.”

Step 2: Give equal airtime to the opposite thought.

How often do you ask yourself, “But what if it does work out?”

or…

“What if it helps heal my breakouts?”

“Oh, what if she doesn’t even care about my skin?”

“What if they think I’m brave?”

“What if people just love me for who I am?”

“What if I’m one step closer to healing from this nightmare?”

Stretch your mind to other possibilities that might equally be true, not just the worst case scenario your brain offers up.

Step 3: Rinse and repeat.

Your brain is never going to not offer you “negative” thoughts. That’s just your brain braining. So don’t make it a problem when you notice this.

Simply acknowledge it and practice redirecting.

What would be different about your journey with acne and the way you live your life if you did this?

One thing I know for sure is that you’ll start to suffer a little less with the worst case scenarios you create in your mind.