Does external events create your moods? Or, your does own thoughts & attitudes?
If you’re happy…are you happy because, you won the lottery. Or. Are you happy because you’re thinking of all the wonderful things you can now afford to do?
Say you’re upset. Frustrated.
Are you upset because, someone cut you off whilst driving on the road? Or. Are you upset because, you’re thinking that that person is a jerk for cutting you off. And, they’re ALWAYS cutting you off. Every morning at 8:02, they cut you off. And, how dare they not be more considerate of your safety…of their own safety?
Is it the actual event that made you feel frustrated, or happy? Or, your thinking?
Psychology. It’s so very interesting to me. 
When I stumbled upon The Feeling Good Handbook at the library, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve since skimmed & jumped all over several different chapters. It’s a very interesting, easy-to-understand, fun read.
This (extremely thick) book talks about cognitive therapy.
“Cognitive therapy is based on the simple idea that your thoughts and attitudes-and not external events-create your moods.” And that,”…by learning to change your thoughts, you can change the way you feel.”
Of course. If you’re feeling happy, because you’re thinking “happy thoughts”, you don’t want to change that. The book mostly talks about how to break out of those icky bad moods.
It also covers:
- The idea that every type of negative feeling results from a specific kind of negative thought. For instance, guilt.
The book says: “Guilt results from the thought that you are bad. When a friend makes an unreasonable request, you may feel a twinge of guilt and think, “A really nice person would say yes.” Then you may agree to something that isn’t really in your best interest.”
Another instance, feelings of inferiority.
The book says that results from: “…the thought that you’re inadequate in comparison to others. You think, “She’s so much better looking than I am” or “He’s so much smarter and more successful. What’s wrong with me?”.” - How to untwist distorted thinking.
- How to conquer anxiety, fear, and phobias.
- How to deal with difficult people.
- How to become a better communicator.
- (And, my personal favorite…)Why people procrastinate. And, how to become more productive & successful.
The book even has nifty little tests, charts, and write-in sections.
I love it! Very informative & helpful ideas.
So, I purchased a copy from Amazon to giveaway.
Then, I thought…“Oooh! A Moleskine journal, with some colorful pens would be nice!”
I’ve been writing in Moleskines for years. I absolutely love their notebooks.
And...who doesn’t love a good Sharpie pen?!
To enter this “Feel Good” Giveaway, you must:
- Be an MM Subscriber (Email, RSS, or Bloglovin’), U.S. resident, and at least 18 years of age.
- Leave a comment on this post, and tell me…
What makes you feel good?
This giveaway closes on Friday, February 1st. is now closed for entries.
Thank you for entering!
P.S.
My book clubmate/blogging buddy Mississippi Mulatto, and I will be blogging about this book in March. So. If you win, you’ll be able to follow, journal, and discuss it along with us, in more detail. Can’t wait!
Disclaimer
This giveaway is intended strictly for entertainment & general self-help purposes. MerelyMarie is not recommending (or, sponsoring the giveaway of ) The Feeling Good Handbook for any of it’s statements on depression, nor it’s psychiatric drug references & information. If you are dealing with or suffering from depression, please seek professional help immediately.
I’m assuming that I’m not eligible for this contest but I think it’s great! This book has helped me a lot and getting my head back into for the book club is helping me address new issues that have arisen in my life. I hope whoever wins enjoys it as much as we have. I need to get a Moleskine and some Sharpie pens!
What makes me feel good? Waking up early on a cold Saturday morning, and turning overdoing, snuggling with the hubs and going back to sleep because I know I don’t have to get up until I feel like it. I follow via bloglovin.
Creating makes me feel good. I am so at peace when crafting jewelry or drawing and painting. I dream of being able to do it as my career because it just makes me feel so good.
Thanks
Follow you on Bloglovin!
I’m simple. Food makes me feel good. More specially sweets. I’m a sweet addict.
yestfl@hotmail.com
What makes me happy? My family, writing and creating make me feel truly fulfilled.
I feel good when I make someone happy. Seeing someone smile or laugh because of something I’ve done always cheers me up
Performing, quality time with hubs, my top two things that make me feel good!
What makes me feel good? That sleepy feeling you get in the middle of your heart after helping someone put the groceries away in their car. Or that content feeling you feel after cooking for someone and watching them eat it with gusto. But I think, above all else, what makes me feel good is that heart wrenching, soul crushing feeling of finishing a book that has completely and utterly changed your life. I love it.
Listening to music makes me feel good. It’s like meditation and it can take me to so many places. And like Megan, I love making people happy. I think that I why I stress over gift giving so much. I always try to purchase meaningful and thoughtful gifts that will create memories and stick to the recipient for a while.
My faith, my family, my natural hair, and reading a good book by the fire place make me feel good.
good coffee and good conversation
Omg! Enter me Marie. I could use some inspiration and enlightenment!
Reading my books, cuddling with my boyfriend, and sipping tea makes me feel good!
Xoxo,
daisy
i subscribe via email and need as much motivation and inspiration as possible
Life and living makes me happy…..I know, that sounds so cliche, and maybe it is….
These past few years has taught/shown me so much, I’m grateful, I’m fortunate
~Life IS Grand~
it really is!!!!
Thanks for this lovely opportunity
Getting a manicure ALWAYS makes me feel good!
I’m an email subscriber.
Naps! Little bursts of sleep allow me to clear my head, re-energize, and feel very comforted in the midst of chaos.
Spending tme with my kids makes me feel good. And being a good leader at work.
I feel great when I am able to resolve my concerns, and when I positively affect someone else’s life. It all makes me feel validated.
What a fun giveaway.
I have been meaning to try these pens for some time now. I have the pencils and my daughters have assumed ownership of them. LOL
I love your blog and I follow via rss.
I love this post and give-away. As an INTJ (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), I’m always looking for ways to improve and be self-reflective.
A simple kiss on the forehead from that special person makes me feel good…
Coming home from a stressful day at work only to see my Yorkie jumping up and down excited to see me!
Music, or an hour listening to my son or daughter.
My husband makes me incredibly happy!
What makes me feel good? Is knowing that I am not perfect, but that I am being perfected everyday; that i have friends and family that are supportive and willing to share a word of encouragement when needed; BUT what really makes feel good is to know that no matter what happens to me in this life, I will never walk alone….that gives me peace…:)
Music and watching a good comedy!
Thank you everyone for entering!