How to Turn Your ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) into PETS

Read the story of how the 10 ANTs got transformed into PETs.

There once lived 10 ANTs in a home.

These 10 ANTs would often create havoc for Angie, the owner of the home.

At first, Angie did not realise that the inhabitants were the cause of her problems.

She had low confidence, poor self-esteem and was constantly in a bad mood that affected her relationships and performance at work.

One day, after googling, Angie came upon an article about Automatic Negative Thoughts and she realised that she needed to pay more attention to what’s going on within her inner home.

That was when she discovered that there have been 10 ANTs that have been scurrying around.

In fact, each ANT has a a distinct personality.

Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) - Examples

Take for instance, ANT Catherine with the tendency to catastrophize.

ANT Catherine would often imagine the worst-case scenarios. "This is going to be a disaster," she wailed, filling Angie with dread.

Then, there is ANT Lily with the habit of labelling.

ANT Lily would use negative names to label self, others or the situation. She undermined Angie’s self-confidence with "I failed my exam. So I am such a failure."

And also, ANT Betty who is constantly blaming.

ANT Betty would often blame others and refuse to take responsibility. She filled Angie with indignation and rage. Betty would often justify herself, “It's not my fault, he made me so mad. So I hit him to make him stop."

What To Do About the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts)

For a long time, these 10 ANTs scurried around Angie’s inner home freely.

Angie felt small and powerless; their voices intertwining into a constant, disheartening buzz.

She knew something had to change but didn't quite know how to silence these negative whispers.

However, Angie refused to give up.

One day, she chanced upon the website of a Transformation Coach.

After checking her profile up, Angie decided to get on a call with her.

Angie shared about the burden of the nine ANTs, explaining how they have caused her a lot of pain.

Transformation Coach responded, "You cannot get rid of these ANTs completely but you can certainly work on transforming them. Turn your ANTs into PETS, Positive Empowering Thoughts, and they will help you instead of hinder you."

Angie felt hopeful and requested for support.

So, Transformation Coach helped Angie to call out each ANT.

Transforming ANTs into PETs

To ANT Catherine, Angie said, "Instead of worrying about the future, let's focus on the possibilities. What if everything goes right?"

To ANT Lily, Angie suggested, "Let's practice self-compassion. We’re all doing our best.”

To ANT Betty, Angie reminded her to let go of blame and to undertake responsibility for things to improve.

Angie went on to transform the other trouble-maker ANTs too (get the list of Automatic Negative Thoughts here).

Gradually, Angie's inner home became filled with PETs, Positive Empowering Thoughts.

Powerful Changes with PETs (Positive Empowering Thoughts)

The journey wasn’t easy; but with the PETs, Angie has been able to face each day with a renewed sense of confidence, encouragement and joy.

These days, Angie’s inner home is a sanctuary of peace, love and positivity.

PETs often work together to uplift and support her.

As a result, her relationships and interactions with the world improved dramatically.

With delight, Angie attributed the changes to: Transforming ANTs into PETs!

The End.

Hope you have enjoyed this story! I’d like to thank my client who inspired me to write this story after helping her.

If you are needing assistance, do reach out to me here :)

Love and abundance always,
Evelyn Lim

Reference: 10 Automatic Negative Thoughts That You Need to Let Go Of