Develop a Great Attitude

We get to decide on a daily basis whether to view the events of our life as negative or positive. No doubt, it can be challenging to focus on the good that is happening, when undesirable things may be happening too.

Changing our attitude isn’t about being phony and artificially upbeat; it’s about feeling different on the inside which is all we have control over anyway. We definitely can’t always control outside circumstances, or make people do what we want.

However, we can make choices that lead to a more positive mind-set and outcome.

For instance, a friend of mine went through a location change in her place of employment that put her home much of each day. She went from working at the office to working from her primary residence.

The first week in this new arrangement left her feeling lost and depressed as she tried to adjust to her new situation. She noticed her attitude start to deteriorate.

The second week she decided to get up early and go to the gym each morning, and her attitude drastically changed.

She started to feel optimistic about being at home and the freedom and opportunities it afforded her, and most important, she started to feel good about herself as a result.

Her act of self-care turned a seemingly negative situation into a positive one, and the good feelings it engendered started to extend to others she came in contact with.

What helps you stay positive?

Create Your Private Oasis

I was at a party the other day at a home I hadn’t been to before, and was very impressed by one of the rooms within it.

Beyond just being beautifully designed with high ceilings, wonderful color schemes and gorgeous windows overlooking a lovely landscaped backyard, the room had such cozy warmth about it.

It turns out that the hostess is an artist, who created the charming environment for inspiring her various masterpieces.

There were so many personal touches added to the arrangement of her artistic supplies and other tools necessary for her particular needs. The whole space had an aura beyond an ordinary home office or studio.

It got me thinking about the importance of having our own space or private oasis that is uniquely suited to our individual tastes and motivations.

Whether it’s a writing room or painting studio or anything in between, it is wonderful to have an environment that embraces our originality, and the feelings of peace such a space can provide.

What is your favorite private oasis?

 

Keep Your Power

Happy New Year!

Each New Year, I like the practice of choosing a single word as a guiding force and direction for the coming 12 months.

However, this year I am using a THREE WORD mantra that I awoke with as 2017 arrived and it is: Keep Your Power.

So, for example, whenever I find myself worrying, I can internally utter the words, “Keep Your Power,” as a great reminder to not allow my peace to be disturbed by internal fear thoughts, and to upgrade my thoughts to something more positive.

Additionally, my mantra reinforcement can help to keep from reacting to external comments or circumstances, by remembering to not take the words or actions of others personally, thereby reducing feelings of hurt or anger.

It may sound like an easy task to keep our power, but almost all of us can attest to unintentionally giving away our peace of mind to someone else who pushes our buttons, and affects the way we think, feel, or behave.

Therefore, since we only have control over how we respond to our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances, it’s important to have mindful practices in place to assist us in making healthier choices, and take more beneficial actions.

Some of those actions might be a dedicated meditation time, or special readings, that lift our awareness and feelings to a higher place.

I heard someone say the other day that they are using the mantra ‘Don’t be mean in 2017‘ to help remember to put kindness first, when frustrations arise, and they’re tempted to react otherwise.

What phrases or actions are of the greatest assistance in helping you to keep your power?