CHOICES WE MAKE
We have a choice either we can think about what is going wrong in our lives or think about what is going right in our lives. I have found that most of the times our minds make the choice for us. This morning as I was waking up my mind started thinking about an upsetting situation which made me feel bad and took all my energy. After thinking about it for awhile I realized either I could role play this situation in my head or think about something that puts a smile on my face. Making the choice to change my thinking took awhile and slowly my thoughts started to change.
Why do we automatically start thinking about upsetting thoughts instead of happy ones? Thinking about this for awhile I came up with the following ideas:
Benefits of Thinking Upsetting Thoughts
1. Familiar feeling.
2. Not having control over the outcome of the situation we start thinking of ways in which we are the controllers.
3. Feels good to feel sorry for ourselves.
4. Gives us an excuse to procrastinate.
5. Looking for sympathy from others.
Benefits of Thinking Happy Thoughts
1. Makes us feel good and gives us plenty of energy.
2. Motivates us.
3. Puts a smile on our face.
4. Self-confidence and we feel proud.
5. Creates commitment
We have a choice either we can walk around feeling good or trying to think of ways to change a situation that has already happened. For today which choice do you make? I know that thinking happy thoughts will give me more energy, motivation and put a smile on my face. The next question how do you change those thoughts. Following are some ideas:
1. Acknowledge the thought and when the thought stops start thinking about something that made you happy.
2. While thinking the unhappy thought give yourself a big hug and say out loud, “I feel sorry for you and I love you.” Giving ourselves sympathy sometimes makes us feel better.
3. Journal about the situation and think of ways you can let go of the negative thoughts.
4. Put a smile on your face while you are thinking and usually the negative thought will disappear.
5. For today, don’t talk about your unhappy thoughts only what makes you happy.
Have a beautiful day and make a choice to think happy thoughts.
Friday, December 14, 2007
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2 comments:
Helen,
Positive thinking is great. You are right it is very easy for us to get bogged down in negative thoughts. We all have "negative" situations in our life, it is our perception, as you said our choices that make the difference.
Hi Mark:
As always thanks for sharing your wisdom. I have been mindful of my negative thinking and after acknowleding them I think of a fun experience. It has been working and I am happier. Helen
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