Don’t Believe Everything You Think: A Recovery Perspective
“Don’t believe everything you hear,” is oft-quoted advice.
This advice was paraphrased at a recent AA meeting:
“Don’t believe everything you think.”
Why Thought Curation Matters in Addiction Recovery
The parallels between these two admonitions are clear and powerful.
- There are many things you hear that you should not believe
- There are many thoughts that arise that should be questioned—or discarded
I must curate both what I hear and what I think.
Meditation: Training the Mind to Choose and Focus
The ability to curate my thinking begins with meditation. Meditation is, among other things, the practice of two essential skills:
1. Choosing What to Think About
At first glance, this seems obvious. As a child, I believed I chose all my thoughts.
Then puberty arrived—and with it, a flood of thoughts that appeared uninvited. From there, it only became more challenging.
Today, it takes discipline and awareness to intentionally choose what to think about.
2. Focusing on a Chosen Thought
Focus is a learned skill—not a given.
I once believed I could focus well. But when I first heard someone describe Attention Deficit Disorder, I thought:
“Goodness, they are talking about me.”
I recognized many of the symptoms in myself. It became clear that I needed to practice concentration and sustained attention.
Practicing Daily Mental Discipline
So I meditate—not to escape my thoughts, but to train my mind:
- To choose what deserves attention
- To hold focus on what truly matters
A Better Life Through Thought Awareness
Life improves when I carefully evaluate what I hear.
But life becomes significantly better when I consciously shape what I think.
Curate your inputs. Curate your thoughts. Change your life.
Books to Support Your Twelve Step Journey
If you’re looking to explore Step work, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation more deeply, check out The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts. These books offer insights, reflections, and real-life recovery experience that complement the journey through the Twelve Steps.
The books in The GEMS Series: 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts can be purchased through my estore or the major online book retailers. Look for GEMS, More GEMS, Still More GEMS, and More GEMS Revealed.
FAQs
Q: What does “don’t believe everything you think” mean in recovery?
A: It means recognizing that many thoughts are automatic and not necessarily true or helpful.
Q: Why is thought awareness important in addiction recovery?
A: Unchecked thoughts can lead to relapse patterns. Awareness allows better choices.
Q: How does meditation help with thinking?
A: Meditation trains you to observe, choose, and focus your thoughts intentionally.
Q: Can I really control my thoughts?
A: You may not control every thought that appears, but you can control which ones you engage with.
Q: How long does it take to improve focus?
A: Like any skill, focus improves with consistent practice over time.
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