Sometimes we start our days with the intention to have a great day, but for some reason, we can’t seem to focus ourselves on the thoughts that are going to help us.
We find ourselves pondering negative, unproductive thoughts so we try to override this lack of mind control with a growing “to do list” and anything we can do to distract ourselves from our own minds, or just get frustrated and allow it to steal our joy.
Every now and then, we’ll notice our minds still out of control, potentially worsening and beginning to affect all areas of our lives. The more attention we give to these negative thoughts, the more power they have to bring us to our knees.
What can we do when these negative thoughts take over?
One thing we can do is, ‘make a decision’. The decision we make will determine how the next moments of our lives will unfold.
Do we?
1. Distract ourselves with everything we can to avoid dealing with our thoughts.
2. Remain in a state of frustration which in turn affects our relationships and experiences.
3. Give power to these thoughts by focusing on them more and live below what we know is our full potential.
4. Realise that with a bit of practice we can choose what thoughts we focus on and allow non-serving thoughts to flow by just as effortlessly as clouds move across the sky.
There are times when my mind wants to dwell on negative thoughts and take me on a trip down memory lane and/or predict the worse possible scenario for an upcoming event/experience.
I can generally refocus myself these days, but there is the odd occasion when I need to bring out the big guns and rely on my backup plan.
It is simple, yet powerful if you put it into practice. I hope that this backup plan pulls you towards the life that you truly want to live.
My Backup Plan
1. Don’t Run, Don’t Hide. Don’t Fight. Don’t get Frustrated. It is what it is, just flow peacefully and be patient with yourself. If anything, say thank you for your increased awareness of your mind and start to take control one moment at a time.
2. Take a moment for yourself to observe your thoughts. As much as you can, try not to focus on any one thought. Just observe and watch how when you don’t give any one thought attention, it simply moves on. When you don’t give it attention, it doesn’t get bigger. When the thought doesn’t get bigger, you are less likely to attach emotions to it. You remain in a state of calm and don’t get caught up in a tiring emotional roller coaster ride.
2. Use your body: Stand/sit tall, align your posture and eyes level so you are looking ahead as far as your eyes can see.
3. Breathe in and take a long breath out.
4. And whilst you hold your posture, eyes and practice breathing…..Smile. Smile because you know that each day you are growing and getting better and better everyday. You may not be where you want to be, you may not be what you consider to be perfect, but you are improving.
5. Take a moment (schedule it) to think about things like:
– what you “do” want
– what you are grateful for
– who you would love to see have a great day
Wishing you your best day ever.
Let’s Grow!!!!