Learning to correct your own thinking.

I recently got a response from a reader who did a beautiful job of describing how she self-corrects her own thinking that creates problems for her. I thought it might help people who are trying to change their thoughts ... and their mood:

comments: I recently found your book online. I was interested in some of your ideas regarding self help and mental well being. I loved the material and began reading it by skipping around to those segments that I felt could bring me help more quickly. (I know, the instant gratifacation thing.) I read in chapter 14 about irrational thoughts and began playing with questioning my own thoughts.
I began to see the relationship between my thoughts about myself, others and the world in general and the behaviours I displayed based on those thougts.
I decided to put this idea of irrational thought to the test one day when I was shopping in a quilt shop. I was there due to some problem I was having with the material I bought for a quilt I'd be making with my grandaughter. I was buying thread and was afraid to ask the sales person her thoughts about my problem with the material. I mulled around the shop waiting until the sales person was alone. I began to ask myself what I was afraid of. I decided that I was afraid the sales person would think I was a beginner and not able to master the art of quilting. I thought she would think I was stupid. I then began to challange these ideas by asking myself "so what." So what, I am a beginner. So what if she thought I was stupid, it's not stupid to have problems with quilting techniques, even the "Masters" have problems, why shoud I think I wouldn't have problems. I decided that my fears were making me feel physically ill and I didn't like that feeling. In questioning my irrational ideas I got the confidence to tell the sales person that I was a beginner and needed her advice. I was not prepared for the outpouring of help she gave to me with real enthusiasm. The last thing she said to me on my way out the door was, "I'm here most days, I'll be glad to answer any more questions you have if you run into more trouble." The feeling I got when I left was one of relief,(and profound enlightenment.)I didn't feel afraid anymore to admit that at times I need help and shouldn't be afraid to ask for it. I was amazed how my preconcieved ideas led to my fears that affected my behavior.
Thank you so much for this online book. I intend to read it all.
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We all appreciate this person for sharing with us.

Clay