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.

Be True to Yourself

Find the courage to hold on to your beliefs, even if the world around you chooses to believe differently.  Have the courage to change those beliefs that no longer fit the person you have become.  In doing so, you truly become yourself. -Daniel Levin

Today this inspiration resonated with me.  I wear a small cuff bracelet on my right wrist (right next to my Gratitude Bracelet) that my sister, who is my best friend, gave me.  It’s a small subtle piece that has the words, “Be True to Yourself” stamped on it.  I’ve spent the past several years really learning who I am through all the good and bad.

I’ve had growing pains, which sometimes really hurt (can you relate?) and major joys.  Through it all, I’ve grow into the person I am today – confident and true with a depth of character and tenacity. I’m full of heart and love to feel the energy of others which is why I choose to surround myself with those who share my desire to live my life with an abundance of positive energy.

Where are you at in your life?

We are all on a different journey.  I seen to have chosen the road less traveled over the past several years, but know that I am leading and leaving my footprints on the ground for those to follow me.

Be well today and be true to yourself.

Constantly Improving Your Body and Mind

Even if you look and feel great, there are always steps you can take, every day, to improve your body and mind. It takes constant work to improve your life, even when you have achieved what you believe is your personal best.

So with that said, we all can use some healthy living tips to ensure that we are the best we can be every day.

Healthy Living Tips to Improve Your Body and Mind

It doesn’t matter if you are in perfect shape – or you have created your own unique “shape” over the years – there are always simple strategies that will continue to improve how you look, feel and think. After all, without constantly improving your body and mind, you won’t be able to reach greater heights and experience new things.

The most essential mental and physical health tip is to enjoy quality sleep. Getting enough sleep will boost your health and productivity, and it will rejuvenate your body and mind. Some people may believe that sleep is overrated, but study after study has shown that those who get at least eight hours of sleep look and feel better than those who don’t. It can be tempting to skimp on the number of hours of sleep you get, but it isn’t worth it. Skipping sleep takes a toll on your brain’s ability to function, your appearance, and on your overall long-term health. So do yourself a favor and skip the late night talk shows and midnight snacks tonight!

There’s another easier-said-than-done tip that I’m sure you’ve heard many times before. Any guesses? Exercise, of course! Whether you are trying to lose weight or you’re at your target weight, it can be tempting to skip exercise. No matter how you slice it, it’s not going to do you any good. Not only does exercise help you look good, but it also helps you feel good. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good from top to bottom and stress literally drips off you!

It can be difficult to incorporate these healthy living tips into your life, but there is one tool that ties everything together: the power of positive self-talk. You can use positive affirmations to help remind you of your healthy living goals. Affirmations are short statements that encourage you to sharpen your mind and body while conquering your goals and improving on your weaknesses. Affirmations can help you focus on creating and maintaining the healthy body and mind you desire because it gives you the motivation you need to focus on your most important asset – you!

Some examples of affirmations include, “It is okay for me to take care of myself first,” or, “I am healthy and deserve the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.” You can use these simple positive statements throughout the day to stay motivated and focused. After all, we all need some motivation from time to time.

When you implement these strategies in your life, you’ll begin to realize just how easy it can be to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially once you have gained the right set of tools in your self-improvement toolbox!

Today’s Inspiration

Some food for thought today:

“When we refuse to take time off until we get caught up with our work, we never take time off.  Life isn’t about being caught up.  Life is about participating.  That’s all.  Just participating.”

I know I often spend a lot of time feeling like I need to catch up especially in today’s fast paced chaotic world.  It’s a difficult pattern to break, but we will never be caught up.  It’s a matter of moving forward and doing what you can do and taking time to give yourself a break.

Be well!