I think our culture is so averse to emotions–all but the emotions of the happiness family, anyway–that we either can't recognize them or don't know how to talk about them. For that reason, we often label them "thinking."

And they are. Partly.

But thinking that thoughts are only thinking misses the emotional aspect and that is the real key. Thoughts and emotions go hand-in-hand.

When we talk about overthinking or intrusive thoughts or the inner critic or "chatter," we're usually talking about emotions. And if we can't recognize that, then it will be difficult to work with them with much skill.

Since we usually divide emotions into positive and negative, we also divide our thoughts into positive and negative.

No negative thoughts. No negative emotions. That's the unspoken or unexamined premise of most discussions–at least in the popular media–about the emotions and mental health and trauma and stress, etc. (And that our natural state should be ease or joy or peace or a perfect world of bliss and positive thinking. Ahem.)

But when you can make the radical reframe of non-valencing the emotions and thoughts, that they are neither positive or negative, you are stepping into the realm of real power to understand and work with what the universe is "truly" giving you.

Namely, everything. Or at least more than you've asked for.

The good things is your emotions help you receive it in more manageable and meaningful portions.

To work better with your thoughts and your emotions–and take more effective action–you can find more information here.