Better Thoughts #2
Believe it or not, I do not wake up with the proverbial “bluebirds on my shoulder” each morning. But, I do work to coax them there. Often, I utilize an exercise I call “positive flips” to get my better thoughts going.
You can elevate your mood by improving your thoughts. Replace downward spiraling thoughts with upward spiraling thoughts. Test it.
Here are five starters for positive flips. Think of 10 positive ways to complete each one.
- I am thankful for…This is the old faithful. It can be anything great or small, new or old. You can be thankful for something as mundane as your recliner or a certain tree in your yard or a trip you took 15 years ago. But, if you’re thankful for it, it counts.
- At least I’m not…When you’re really struggling to get it going, you might utilize this back door gratitude method. Think of things you’re not doing or not doing anymore such as working a certain job, living in a previous and less desirable place, or still struggling with an old bad habit. You get the idea.
- Because I , I can _…Think of what you’re doing right, perhaps a keystone habit. If you can do that, you have it within you to do many more of these optimal things. List them.
- Ten places I’d like to…Imagine 10 places you’d like to sit, walk, eat, visit, etc. Naturally, you may take your mind to the beach, the river, your favorite restaurant, etc. By the time you think through this list, you’ll feel better.
- I’m proud of…Yes, it is okay to feel good about things you did right. You might click here for a reminder on the good kind of pride if you struggle with this concept. But, you have surely learned, accomplished, served, sacrificed, improved, finished, endured, loved, or contributed in ways that are worth allowing yourself to reflect on positively.
These five are just starters. What kind of positive flips will you do to realign with your better thoughts?
Worth Repeating
You may find the worst enemy or best friend in yourself.
-English Proverb
