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My Daily Musings-April 9th, 2026

Yesterday in therapy, we talked about something that really made me stop and think—cognitive distortions. Those automatic thoughts that show up in our minds and quietly shape how we feel.

I realized how often I jump to the worst-case scenario, especially when my health feels uncertain. A new symptom appears, and my first thought is, “This is just going to make my life harder.” But the truth is… I don’t actually know that yet.

Maybe it will be hard. But maybe it won’t be as overwhelming as I imagine.

We talked about how this kind of thinking is often our mind’s way of trying to protect us—bracing for impact so we don’t feel as disappointed if things go wrong. But starting from a place of fear or discouragement doesn’t really protect us—it just weighs us down before we even know what’s ahead.

And on the hard days, especially lately, it’s not easy to shift that mindset. But I’m learning that I can gently question those thoughts and choose to look for something more hopeful, more balanced, and more kind.

What thoughts do you find yourself going to automatically when things feel uncertain?
And what might change if you paused and gave yourself permission to consider a more hopeful possibility?

Maybe we don’t have to believe the first thought that comes to mind. Maybe we can choose a better one.