Positive Thinking Includes Action

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.
If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing,
it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it.
On the contrary, if I shall have the belief that I can do it,
I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it,
even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Mahatma Gandhi

After reading the above quote a lot of ideas popped into my head. I have often heard it said, “Your thinking creates your outcome.” Therefore, if you live by this golden rule, think positive and things will always turn out okay.

Now let’s become real and with all our positive thinking circumstances happen in our lives that cause hardships. For instance, you were at a conference all weekend and came home to find a flood in your basement. With all the positive thinking the water would not disappear in the basement.

However, if you took steps to fix the leak, clean up the water and basement you are on your way of solving the problem. What this situation is demonstrating you have to think positive and take action at the same time.

Karen, a busy executive with a large company felt that everything was working in her life except the fact she could not stop binging at night. She tried everything from attending different diet support groups, therapy, making herself think positive thoughts and getting into bed at 6:00pm. Nothing worked!

She felt what is wrong with me? I have a great job, beautiful family and loving husband. Still I can’t stop stuffing food into my mouth at night.

What was she to do?

Karen met me one day at a networking meeting and after our brief discussing we started working together. During our first session Karen realized thinking positive thoughts alone would not change the circumstances. She had to start taking action to get a different result.

We continued working together, creating a tailored action plan through trial and error, that worked for her. Within a short period of time Karen saw amazing results and the binging at night finally stopped.

What Karen did differently?
• Allowed herself to have a small snack before going to bed at night. She looked forward to the snack and did not feel deprived.
• Spent an hour each night playing games and laughing with her husband and children. Enjoying this time with her family, Karen did not think of food.
• Keeping a journal tracking her progress and actions for challenging situations. The journal helped Karen see in black and white what worked and what didn’t.
• Drinking a cup of tea and eating a piece of fruit at 3:00pm everyday. Taking the time to eat a snack satisfied Karen’s hunger and prevented her from grabbing food when she walked into the house.
• Taking time for herself each day. Treating herself special enhanced her self-confidence and made Karen feel special.

Now It Is Your Turn
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community how positive thinking and small action steps have enhanced your life. We are all in this together and by sharing our experiences helps us all to live a more empowering and happy lifestyle.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Making This Day Special

“Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.”
Mary Anne Radmacher

Wow!! Wouldn’t life be beautiful if we could simply live this way?

Aren’t you waking up every morning and thinking today is going to be a special day? I am going to eat healthy, exercise, laugh at my silliness, appreciate people and enjoy every moment of the day? For most of us, the answer, “NO” is loud and clear.

Okay, guys let’s turn this perception around and see how we can bring a little happiness and sunshine into our lives.

Let’s take a step back and see what small changes we can make in our lives. Nothing too hard!

Thinking about how we can take a small step instead of move mountains, I thought of the following suggestions:

•Getting out of bed in the morning, take big steps to the bathroom while saying out loud in a quite voice, “Today is going to be a special day.”
•Look in the mirror and say in a quite voice, “You are so lucky.”
•Compliment someone who is having a hard day.
•Laugh at yourself.
•Take a small risk and tell someone about it. You can leave a comment on the Love Yourself – It Matters Blog. We love celebrating with you.

Taking one of these small steps will definitely make an impact on your life. Remember you are the driver of your bus and can make any small changes you desire. Go for it!!

Please let the Love Yourself – It Matters Community know about your brags and struggles, we are all in this together. Having each other as our support team enriches our lives and brings joy and happiness to each and everyone of us.

Make this day special!!

Helen