Stress, Negativity, and Positive Affirmations

We all encounter stress from day to day and minute to minute, but how we deal with stress determines whether it moves us forward or holds us back. Stressful thinking is often frenzied, inaccurate, and unreliable, yet many of us go through life thinking and behaving in stressful manners. Many of us assume that this is the way life has to be, and there is no getting around it, but this is certainly not the case!

Silencing negative thinking may be easier than you ever imagined it could be, but it begins with a positive thought.

Negative Thinking, Positive Aspirations, and You

Negative thinking not only controls the way you approach life, but it also can affect your body, mind, and relationships in negative ways. When you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you have the power to move forward in a healthier and more productive way.  With enough time and effort, you can change your thought process, and it all begins with just a few words.

The Power of A Few Words…

When you see a list of affirmations, you see nothing more than a list of words with idealistic phrases that do not seem to apply to your thinking. If you look closer at each affirmation, you may find that many of them encapsulate the way you would like to think.

When you see a positive phrase that speaks to you, latch onto it and use it to extinguish the negative thought you want to get rid of. In essence, you will be replacing your negative thinking pattern with a positive approach. This is what positive affirmations are all about!

Affirmations are positive statements that stimulate your mind to accomplish all of the great things you would like. Words have the power to move mountains because they can evoke emotions within us all.  If you use an affirmation that speaks to you on a deep level – and you reaffirm it by repeating it often – you can make the statement your mantra and your reality.

If you are overcome by negative thinking to the point where you think no affirmation can work for you, don’t lose hope! There are many affirmations that can help you deal with just that!  Using an affirmation such as, “Negative thinking is not my way of thinking” or a favorite from Louise Hay, “I only speak words that are loving, positive, and constructive” it will give you the power to change your thought process and your life. It may feel awkward at first, but as you reaffirm the positive emotions you desire, your negative thinking will be replaced with positive thoughts.

There are many different affirmations to help you with negative thinking.  Something as simple as, “Only positive thoughts are allowed to enter my mind,” will allow you a moment to replace anger and frustration with a positive thought.

Find Something to Be Grateful for Every Day

“Every day, be full of awareness of the beauty around you.

Be full of gratitude for friends and family, for the goodness you find in others, for your health and all you’re capable of.

Be full of acceptance of yourself and others — without conditions or judging, knowing that differences and changes make life interesting.

Appreciate the gifts of laughter and fun in your life, and find contentment in knowing that you can always control your ability to look on the bright side.”

-Barbara Cage

Through Tragedy and Difficult Times We Triumph

Some of the best things in life come to us because of difficult times – don’t fear hardship but embrace it & good things will come.

-Michele Deville

I have been thinking so much lately about many people in my circle of life who are going through difficult times.  It’s made me have an even greater appreciation for my life and my own circumstances.

It’s made me develop a level of respect for their character and the way that they work through their challenges.  They make me grow and inspire me in ways they probably don’t even know.

As I have been thinking and praying for these people, I have also realized that so much goes on outside my “bubble of life” on a regular basis, as I’m sure you can relate.

People have cancer, they are losing their jobs, they are leaving their families to serve our wonderful country and on and on.  Choices, sacrifices, and struggle occur daily and all around us whether we realize it’s happening or not.

Enlarge your vision beyond what you know – so much is going on around you that can help you grow, learn, and inspire…just listen for it.

A Journey of Hope, Life, Gratitude, and Love

By now, you probably know who my friend Erika is and her amazing story. (If not, surely keep reading!)

Erika has created a “storybook” of her journey and I wanted to share its inspiring message of hope, life, gratitude and love with you.

Enjoy!

P.S. Be sure to click on the “full screen” button to read through the whole book in a larger format.