If we were to believe 100% with all of our being that a negative thought could produce a negative action, a negative reaction and a negative outcome… would we continue to have negative thoughts?
It has been well documented by those who experience it firsthand, what we think we create, or we attract, or we become a part of in some way. Yet breaking out of negative thoughts and moving into positive ones that not only support who we want to be, but also what we wanted to be surrounded with and involved in, is not always as easy as knowing we ‘should' do it.
The thought that stays inside of our mind can be the poisonous one. It has ‘magical' power because it hasn't been spoken, it hasn't been made into something outside of thought and tested against reality. That thought often gives way to more thoughts that support its existence and push us further away from what we really want out of life. So how do we stop this downward spiral?
Voice it! Say what you are thinking. I know, we've been made to believe that talking to ourselves is a bad thing, but at least we are taking that magical thought out of our heads for a moment. Talking to other people who will not support negative thinking is a great way to break the habit as well. Hanging around with people who share your negative thoughts is an excellent way to keep you stuck in the habit.
Acknowledging Yourself
It is often hard to acknowledge ourselves in a positive light without feeling like we've put someone else down, are being selfish or self-centered. Why is it so hard to believe that we could be so fabulous that we are willing to acknowledge the little things we've done that may have put a smile on someone's face or taken care of ourselves.
An acknowledgement is a statement, in the positive, about something that you have done, said, thought, etc. For example, “I acknowledge myself for taking a proactive stand in voicing my opinion on a new project that we are starting at the barn.” You can even add to it to emphasize how it made you feel or what kind of outcome it helped to produce… “As a result, the barn manager jumped at my suggestion and we had a great conversation and worked through some previous tension that I had felt between us.”
Being Grateful
Getting positive means turning those negative days into positive ones by bringing to our attention the things we could be grateful for. In the beginning before we've turned this exercise into habit, it can certainly be difficult to think of things we are truly grateful for… but as we practice it gets easier and what was once hard to find 5 grateful items we are running over the page and looking for more space to describe.
The same as acknowledgements, gratitudes are written in a positive light. These are things outside of ourself, something someone did or said, an opportunity that opened up, an event, etc. For example, “I am grateful for the help a fellow boarder offered me when I was having problems calming my horse down this afternoon.” Just as with acknowledgements, add something to bring to light how it made you feel, think, etc. “Although I initially resisted the assistance, she gave me some really great ideas to play with tomorrow, and we set up a time to go for a trail ride next week which I've been looking for a riding buddy for months now!”
Hard to Keep Up On
It is easy to get started on a habit and then let it fade into the dark… and that is where a partner helps out. Get together with a friend and both commit to emailing each other Acknowledgements and Gratitudes on a daily basis, or call them in over the phone or in person with one another. Have someone who will hold you to your commitment and vice versa! It is a bit like working out – easy to go to the gym by yourself for a week and then watch that commitment fall away, but a lot easier to workout regularly and reach your goals throughout the year with a buddy who holds you accountable!
A Proposal
For a limited time, I am going to offer my inbox for those who would like a partner for accountability. If you want to get on the wagon to positive thinking, lets start with 5 Acknowledgements and 5 Gratitudes on a daily basis. Send me a note and let me know that you want to partner up and I will bug you daily for your Acknowledgements and Gratitudes. I will also send notes to help keep you on track if your email doesn't support positive thinking or is taking you off course.
So go ahead, what are you waiting for? Get positive and start creating the world around you in a positive light today!
What are your 5 Acknowledgements & 5 Gratitudes for today? Share them with me in the comments.
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