Change

   
     Change happens to our thinking.  We evolve, develop, and mature throughout our lives.  The mind takes in information: facts, spins, and untruths, then decides what to keep or throw away.  We may reinforce our opinions or rethink, question, and modify.   Many people seem more comfortable keeping their present opinions and don't want to change their minds.
     Change happens in the world.  New discoveries in science, psychology, and many other fields update our knowledge.  Technology spreads this knowledge at an ever increasing pace.  It also spreads info that is biased and untrue.  Our ability to analyze this info with an open mind is an asset.
     A famous Greek philosopher once said that change is the only constant in life.  Some opinions will be held for a lifetime because that is our truth; however, we should welcome changes that lead to the improvement of our thinking.
   
 

Emotion

   
     Some emotions are natural, perhaps instinctive, stemming from our DNA.  Some emotions are learned, or at least the emotional expressions and behaviors are learned.  Some emotions are acceptable, encouraged, and rewarded.  Others are deemed unacceptable, discouraged, and expected to be suppressed.  Religions label some emotions as sinful, harmful to self and others.
    Emotions help define our unique personalities.  Some people seem to face life more emotionally than others.  How they feel is their primary reaction.  Because of this, reason and logic may be secondary.  They may become sentimental and get good vibes from emotional events and stories or become moody and blue.  Often, they are swayed by emotional appeals.  Excessive anxiety and worry may cause problems.
     The connection between emotion and thought may be similar to which came first the chicken or the egg.  We may feel before we think, but after we do both, logic should prevail over emotion.

Escape

   
     To get away from it all at least temporarily, perhaps not to solve a problem, but just a respite so upon return, more able to face the unchangeable.
     Escape comes in many forms: a vacation, a walk in nature, a good book, movie, or play, making music or listening, sports as a participant or observer, video games, puzzles, creating or appreciating art, a glass of wine or two.  Some escape reality by going into the spirit world, like a child curling up in a parent's lap.  Some never return to face the harsh facts of life and death.
     A temporary escape is a healthy retreat to reboot, refresh, and revitalize, to allow the body, mind, and emotions take a well-deserved break.  When a permanent escape is desired, we may create a fog, a distorted reality, a disconnect from the necessary struggle, preventing our ability to grow toward wisdom.  Beware of prolonging your escape.

Confirmation Bias

Some people have this set of behaviors:

Consider preconceived opinions and beliefs correct
Search for or interpret info in a way that confirms preconceptions
Resist info that contradicts present opinions
Tend to believe negative info about other opinions
Feel uncomfortable with changing mindset

Some people have this set of behaviors:

Realize preconceived opinions and beliefs may be incorrect
Search for the truth
Consider a variety of opinions
Recognize bias, propaganda, and spin
Open the mind to the possibility of change

If you have the first set of behaviors, you have confirmation bias.

Happy Chemicals

   
     Your brain produces happy chemicals which reward you with good feelings.  Taking good care of your physical, mental, and emotional health increases these chemicals.
     Sufficient sleep, nutrition, and exercise help us feel good.  Favorite foods and special treats like chocolate are known to boost our mood.  Running, even walking, swimming, dancing, and sports can add to our feelings of happiness.
     Social bonding and cuddling with people or pets make our brain feel good.  Massage can reduce stress and create a feel-good state.
     Meditation and other relaxation techniques are helpful.  Some people get a boost participating in religious rituals.  Music also has it's charms.
     Feeling self-confident,  practicing positive thinking, and accomplishing goals make our brain happy.  Laughter can produce those happy chemicals.  Gratitude also works.
     Be aware that some unhealthy habits can also produce these chemicals temporarily but in the end, can cause unhappiness or worse.
     Do whatever it takes to help your brain function toward happiness. Also, create happiness in the lives of others which benefits them and yourself.
       

Absurd

   
     What seems absurd to you, unreasonable, illogical, irrational, or nonsensical, usually applies to someone else, not yourself.  Being aware of our own absurdities is almost impossible.
     We look at ideas and opinions vastly different from our own and find it difficult to see how anyone could believe that.  Our beliefs are usually backed up by our culture, our family, and our religion.  We think we have the best, most accurate ideas here in the USA, in the typical middle-class suburbs, where most people mirror their parents and neighbors.  What they believe, we usually believe, maybe with some minor differences.
     Those from distant lands and foreign cultures often seem odd as do those in our own country who don't look like us, sound like us, or believe like us.  Some of their behaviors and  practices seem absurd.  More absurd are agnostics or atheists who many believe have completely missed the boat.
     In addition, look at all those politicians who don't agree with you.  They seem full of nonsense.  They haven't just missed the boat, they have lost their minds.  If only they had our sense, our logic.
     Apples and oranges are not the same.  One is not better or more correct than the other.  Compare the similarities as much as the differences.

   

Misconceptions

   
     Living with misconceptions may be more comfortable than desiring to discover the truth.  Continuing our lives just as they are today may be preferred over changing our minds.
     Many misconceptions have been passed on for numerous generations and are hard to dismiss because that would mean realizing that our ancestors were mistaken, that your family has ingrained in you from birth a belief based on faulty thinking.  Feelings of disloyalty might be felt all around.
     Giving up some misconceptions may also mean giving up presumed perks, facing harsh realities, and admitting you  have been wrong.  We might prefer continuing life without question, investigation, or change.
     Some misconceptions are temporary until evidence proves them false or lack of evidence exists to prove them correct.  We need to challenge the status quo, clear our minds, and live with the truth.
     Something may be blocking you from seeing the whole picture, creating a blind spot to reality.  Clarify your vision, then encourage others to think clearly which is a much better legacy than passing on misconceptions.