Over the past 20+ years, I have heard many people tell me that they are being “targeted.” Depending on who you are talking to, this word can mean different things. But most of the people who come to me with this complaint are usually referring to a sense or a belief that he or she is being controlled or affected in some way, either by an individual or a group, utilizing some form of mind control.

While that may sound crazy to you, I have found that a lot of the people who call me actually sound pretty rational. Sure, now and then I do get contacted by someone who is convinced that “the FBI or CIA have installed cameras in the bathroom!”

Anguished pleas like these break my heart. And it may surprise you to know that I don’t really buy in to the idea that any of us are being targeted. To mentally influence another human to do anything – particularly something against his or her will – requires a tremendous amount of work over months and even years, IF you even believe that to be possible.

If you feel that you have been having thoughts that do not seem like you, before you convince yourself that these thoughts are coming from somewhere outside yourself, take a breath. Who are you and why are you so important that anyone would take the hours, days, weeks, months and years of effort in an attempt to control your mind?

What I find in my discussions is that some people suffer from a form of psychotic narcissism. “I am powerful and important and therefore, someone is trying to control my mind (or spy on me, or take over my body)!!!”

Others spend too much time watching conspiracy theory videos on YouTube with people purporting to be “former FBI” or “former CIA” who claim that now there is technology in force that is mind mapping every brain on the planet and controlling everyone.

Folks, anyone could say “I am former FBI” or “I am former CIA” on YouTube! Just because it is on the Internet doesn’t make it true. Use discernment. Don’t buy into everything you see or read.

“But what if that is true?” you ask. Ok, let’s say it is true. What is our best defense? Here it is: Don’t buy into it! Our job – all of us – is to keep our noses above the water line, folks! Let’s stop immersing ourselves in all the muck on the Internet and Social Media! Stop and think rationally.

Believe me, the FBI and CIA have bigger fish to fry. They don’t have time to be focusing the manpower or the millions in tax dollars just trying to control you! (And just in case, remember that aliens probably aren’t targeting you, either. They have lots to keep them busy, as well.)

The best thing we can do is to fill ourselves with positive thoughts by reading strengthening, uplifting words of wisdom. Whether that is Biblical scriptures, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Buddhist teachings, poetry… whatever helps you, personally, feel more centered…Do it!

I recently spoke to a very intelligent, rational-sounding woman who told me that she has been being targeted for the past 30 years. I responded, “If you feel that you have been having thoughts that are not like your normal thoughts, and this has been going on 30 years, it is time to recognize that these ARE your thoughts. It is time to take responsibility for having them, and start working on ways to combat, reverse or eliminate those thoughts. Own them and do something to change them to positive thoughts. Avoid all the negativity and start filling yourself with good positive things to read and watch."

What we believe becomes our reality. What do you want your reality to be? Do you want to feel chased? Targeted? Controlled? NO??? Ok then! DO something about it. Once you OWN it, then you can CHANGE it!

And never ever hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Some problems are bigger than we are, and there is no shame in turning to the right person to help you. Just think of all you can accomplish when this burden is no longer holding you back! I know you can do it! Good luck!