_edited.png)
The mind is a very powerful tool, it’s the part of you that enables you to be aware of the world. It enables you to think, reason, perceive, imagine and a lot more. Experts estimate that the mind thinks between 60,000–80,000 thoughts a day. That’s an average of 2500–3,300 thoughts per hour. Wow! that’s a lot of thoughts.
When your mind is not at rest it can affect you in many ways, one of which is your sleep. Your body needs rest to be able to function properly. Have you ever had times where you are trying to sleep but can’t because of your thoughts? You feel as though your mind is going on a hundred miles per hour. I have experienced this many times.
The way we see and think about things comes from the experiences we have had in the past. We had no control over some of the experiences we’ve had especially those we had as kids. But these experiences form our thoughts and beliefs, which could either be positive or negative. The only thing constant in life is change. No matter what or how your past experiences have been, your life is subject to change. You cannot change your past but you can change your future by working on your now. True transformation begins when we change the way we think. I know that this is often easier said than done but the process of transformation must begin in one’s thoughts.
Positive thinking
Positive thinking is a mental attitude in which you expect good and favorable results. It is waiting and expecting good things to happen. Positive thinking creates thoughts that create and transform energy into reality. It develops into a positive attitude which can change your life. In my experience having a positive attitude makes you happier and brings peace. Being positive attracts good things, you feel more in control of your life, it makes you more thankful and causes you to see the best in every situation.
Negative thinking
This is also a mental attitude in which you expect bad and the least favorable results. It is waiting and expecting bad things to happen and like positive thinking, it also creates thoughts that create and transform energy into reality. It robs you of your peace, makes you unhappy, afraid, angry, affects your relationships and could even make you sick. Research suggests that negative emotions and thoughts may also have links to other serious health problems, like heart disease.
Your thoughts form your belief
Your beliefs are thoughts that you keep thinking over and over. It is impossible to separate your thoughts from your beliefs. If you think about something long enough, be it positive or negative you would believe that to be true. Belief is everything. It is the foundation of your life. If you have the wrong belief system, you would see life from a distorted point of view. The journey to changing what you believe starts from your thoughts”.
Practicing positivity
These tips have been tried and tested. I try to live by these everyday and they work for me.
1. Make a decision
You must first make the decision to become a positive thinker. It is a choice. This step is profound because you will face challenges but your decision to be positive must outweigh the challenges that may come your way.
2. Replace with positive thoughts
Every time you notice negativity redirect your mind to something positive. This may be difficult at first but as you practice it gets easier.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
The people who surround you definitely have an influence over your thoughts and beliefs. Positivity is contagious, so is negativity. So if you have anyone around you who makes you feel worse rather than better, cut them off. And if they are a family member or someone you cannot avoid, try replacing their negative words with positive thoughts or words. I’ve learned to zone out negative talk; I refuse to be a garbage dump.
4. Feed your positivity
You can do this by gaining knowledge. Read books, watch motivational videos and podcasts. I do this sometimes when exercising, running errands or doing house chores.
5. Live a thankful life
Learning to have a thankful attitude, can be life-changing. It would cause you to focus on the good in your life than on the not so good. Focusing on the good would make you happier, sleep better and relate better with others. Being thankful doesn’t always mean you have a perfect life it means you have made a decision to always look on the bright side.
6. Stop comparing yourself to others
Competition can bring a lot of negativity. Avoid completely any situation that would force you to compare yourself or skills with others. In this social media age we are in, it is very easy to fall into this trap. Most times what we see is not what is happening behind closed doors. Some people live fake lives just to impress others. Don’t let what you see determine how you feel. Spend less time on these platforms if you have to.
7. Take care of yourself
Being stressed can bring about a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. So take a break if you have to and don’t feel guilty about it. Go out with friends or take yourself out on a date. Eat healthier and exercise. Exercise is shown to have drastic and positive effects on your mood by reducing stress hormones and stimulating the production of endorphins which help foster relaxation. You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise. Exercise by doing things you love, like walking, swimming, hiking, riding a bike and so on. Just do something.
8. Do nice things for others
Doing nice things for others can help you feel more positive. You feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself and the smile on their faces makes it worth it. Here are a few ideas of things you can do to brighten someone’s day:
Just say hello and compliment a stranger
Give items or monetary gifts to people who need it
Give someone a listening ear
Allow someone to go in front of you in a line
We were created not only to receive but to give also.
Final thoughts
Positive thinking and attitude are needed for you to be who you were created to be. It calls for being intentional both in thoughts and actions. Change is sometimes difficult but there is nothing you cannot do or achieve once you put your mind to it. It may take some time but it would happen eventually. Don’t give up. Your mind and body were made for you and not the other way around. Remember to smile and enjoy life, don’t stress or worry but learn to put your trust in God he’s got a plan for you and he loves you unconditionally.
Thanks for reading
Comentários