Inspiration & Wellness Newsletter

What you focus on expands. Are you aware of the recurring thoughts that run through your mind? Do you notice how you are acting or feeling in the moment? Our reactivity is telling about our level of mindfulness. We can choose our emotional and mental responses and create either suffering or peace. Life challenges don't cause suffering - it's the way we respond to them that does. If we become more aware and begin to notice our thoughts (what am I thinking right now? how am I feeling?), we can shift our attitudes and responses and change how our negative thinking impacts our relationships, our health and our prospects for success. Self-affirming or self-limiting beliefs add up and contribute to a more satisfying or dissatisfying life. Be aware of your state of mind.

Here are two things can do now to create a more positive outlook:

1. Create Affirmations - Affirmations are powerful tools to eliminate negative thinking and create positive changes. They are a joyful declaration of what you want, stated as your current reality. When we replace negativity with affirmations we take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. We all have a choice to think either positive or negative thoughts. Use affirmations to playfully declare what you desire. Write them down and speak aloud!

• "I am responding to my life challenges with grace, peace, and happiness."
• "I am patient and kind to my children."
• "I am attracting a new job that is fulfilling."
• "I am healthy, strong and thriving."
• "I am on time, productive and calm."
• "I feel energized when I exercise and eat well every day."

2. Reframe Complaints and Negativity - When you catch yourself putting yourself down or complaining, reframe the complaint as an affirmation:

• "I'm just bad with money." becomes "I manage my money well, and my life is abundant."
• "I don't have time to exercise." becomes "I make time to exercise because my health is a priority."
• "I was terrible in that meeting." becomes "I learned a lot in that situation, and will handle it differently next time."
• "I shouldn't have eaten all those chips. Forget it. This healthy eating is too hard." becomes "I feel better when I eat well and in moderation - my self-confidence and attitude improves."
• "He's a jerk. I can't believe he said that." becomes "I am choosing not to take what he said personally."
• "Why write these stupid articles? No one is going to read them anyway." becomes "I am writing something worthwhile and people will benefit from the information." :)

Food for thought:

• What thoughts go through your mind when you are down on yourself?
• What affirmation could be useful for you, right now, to improve your outlook about what's possible?
• How does it feel believing this affirmation is true?

To learn more about how affirmations can be a powerful tool, check out Louise Hay's book, You Can Heal Your Life.

Would you like assistance to create a plan with more intention and focus, to achieve the results you desire? Contact Andrea for a complimentary coaching call and see how coaching can help you start moving forward!
847-971-3643 / coach@andrea-gaines.com

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