If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough. — Oprah Winfrey
A simple yet comforting fact: our brains are wired to expect the worst. So, if you find yourself looking on the negative side of things, don’t beat yourself up about it. In fact, taking it out on yourself is one of the worst things you can do.
Instead, accept this propensity to see the worst in things as a natural byproduct of being human. It happens. Let this acceptance elevate your self-awareness. Think of it like television static that’ll always be there. Now it’s time to change the channel.
Instead of allowing the negative static to occupy your mind, you can welcome in fresh thoughts.
How?
I hate to break it to you: effort and persistence.
Research has shown that we can change our neural pathways by just trying – that’s immense power. So, we can route out our negative thought patterns and replace them with new, more productive ways of thinking.
So, when you open your eyes and the negative thoughts, take that as a cue to start rolling.
Remember: you can change the channel. But, you can actively not think those thoughts. And in their place, you can put thoughts that serve you rather than harm you.
Think along the lines of what you’re thankful for, your plans for the day, and how they’ll contribute toward your goals.
Positive affirmations can be a great part of one’s behavioral change regimen. These constructive thoughts create self-improvement. And one by one, they become stronger, eventually becoming your go-to thought pattern – how delightful!
A positive affirmation to start your morning off on the right foot:
– I have a lot to offer myself and the world.
– I always pick myself back up.
– Today and every day, I am blessed.
– I feel so alive.
– I will accomplish all my tasks today.
– I am a wonderful person.
– I deserve what I desire, and I will achieve it.
– I make decisions that support the highest good.
– The people in my life love and support me.
And the list goes on.
Studies have shown that positive affirmations help activate parts of the brain associated with self-related processing and reward. The same studies also indicate that positive self-talk can help build or restore self-competence.
Still, changing negative self-talk isn’t easy, but it’s doable. By tapping into the power of empowering thoughts, we can not only change our thought patterns but our lives.
Remember you are the creator of your world!!!