--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are what we think about. When we stay…" description: "\"We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one person, thought or situation, we get caught in the grip of self-centered thoughts. The more we ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fed/brenda-shoshanna-18628_attention_we-are-what-we-think-about-when-we-stay_263765.jpg" --- # We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one… ![“We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one person, thought or situation, we get caught in the grip of self-centered thoughts. The more we give attention to that which is upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives.” quote by Brenda Shoshanna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fed/brenda-shoshanna-18628_attention_we-are-what-we-think-about-when-we-stay_263765.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fed/brenda-shoshanna-18628_attention_we-are-what-we-think-about-when-we-stay_263765.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fed/brenda-shoshanna-18628_attention_we-are-what-we-think-about-when-we-stay_263765.jpg) > “We are what we think about. When we stay fixed on one person, thought or situation, we get caught in the grip of self-centered thoughts. The more we give attention to that which is upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives.” [Brenda Shoshanna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brenda-shoshanna/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Fixating on negative thoughts amplifies their power, trapping us in self‑centered cycles; shifting focus reduces their grip. **In simple terms:** Obsessing on negatives strengthens them; redirect attention. Key Takeaway Practice mindful redirection of thoughts. Themes mindset focus self‑awareness mental health Mood thoughtful calm Type self‑help psychological When to use this quote - daily meditation - therapy sessions - stressful situations Key Concepts cognitive bias attention theory emotional regulation Questions to Reflect On - What thoughts dominate your day? - How can you shift focus constructively? A Different Perspective Mindfulness alone may not change deep patterns. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Attention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attention/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self centered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-centered/) [Strength](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strength/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [Caught in the self-centered dream, only suffering; holding to self-centered thoughts, exactly the dream; each moment, life as it is, the only teacher; being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joko-beck/caught-in-the-self-centered-dream-only-suffering-holding-to-self/) [Joko Beck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joko-beck/) > [We 'rid ourselves of conceptual thought' when, by persistent observation, we recognize the unreality of our self-centered thoughts. 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Beck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlotte-j-beck/) > [“Can you give some more examples of ordinary unconsciousness?   See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eckhart-tolle/can-you-give-some-more-examples-of-ordinary-unconsciousness-see-if/) [Eckhart Tolle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eckhart-tolle/) > [While blaming someone for something, have a thought on what you would do if in his situation, and ensure whether you're putting right blames…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senoraroy/while-blaming-someone-for-something-have-a-thought-on-what-you-would/) Senoraroy > [See if you can catch yourself complaining in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/see-if-you-can-catch-yourself-complaining-in-either-speech-or-thought-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Siddhartha thought about his situation. 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