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Negative feelings are in you, not in reality. Stop trying…

“Negative feelings are in you, not in reality. Stop trying to change reality. That's crazy! Stop trying to change the other person. We spend all our time and energy trying to change external circumstances, trying to change our spouses, our bosses, our friends, our enemies, and everybody else. We…” quote by Anthony de Mello
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“Negative feelings are in you, not in reality. Stop trying to change reality. That's crazy! Stop trying to change the other person. We spend all our time and energy trying to change external circumstances, trying to change our spouses, our bosses, our friends, our enemies, and everybody else. We don't have to change anything. Negative feelings are in you.”

Anthony de Mello

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Emphasizes that negative emotions originate internally, not from external circumstances, urging acceptance over control.

In simple terms: Negative feelings are internal, not caused by outside events.

Key Takeaway

Accept feelings, stop trying to control others.

Themes

mindfulness acceptance inner peace psychology relationships

Mood

reflective calming

Type

philosophical self-help

When to use this quote

  • personal counseling
  • conflict resolution
  • stress management
  • relationship counseling

Key Concepts

Emotional intelligence cognitive reframing self-awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you observe feelings without judgment?
  • What internal beliefs fuel your negativity?
A Different Perspective

Changing external factors alone rarely resolves inner negativity.

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