Choices We Make
We have a choice to either think about what
is going wrong in our lives or to think about what is going
right in our lives. I have found that most of the time our
minds make the choice for us. This morning, as I was waking
up, my mind started thinking about an upsetting situation that
made me feel bad and took all my energy. After thinking about
it for a while I realized either I could role play this
situation in my head or I could think about something that
puts a smile on my face. Making the choice to change my
thinking took awhile, but slowly my thoughts started to
change.
Why do we automatically start thinking about upsetting
thoughts instead of happy ones? In considering this I came up
with the following ideas:
Benefits of Thinking Upsetting Thoughts
-
Familiar feeling.
-
Not having control over the outcome of
the situation, we start thinking about ways in which we can
be in control.
-
It feels good to feel sorry for
ourselves.
-
It gives us an excuse to procrastinate.
-
We are looking for sympathy from others.
Benefits of Thinking Happy Thoughts
-
It makes us feel good and gives us plenty
of energy.
-
It motivates us.
-
It puts a smile on our face.
-
It develops self-confidence and we feel
proud.
-
It creates commitment
We have a choice - either we can walk
around feeling good or we can try to think of ways to change a
situation that has already happened. Just for today, which
choice will you make?
I know that thinking happy thoughts will give me more energy,
motivation and put a smile on my face. The next question then
becomes - how do you change those thoughts. What follows are
some ideas in regards to this:
-
Acknowledge the thought and when the
thought stops, start thinking about something that made you
happy in the past.
-
While thinking the unhappy thought give
yourself a big hug and say out loud, “I feel sorry for you
and I love you.” Giving ourselves sympathy sometimes makes
us feel better.
-
Journal about the situation and think of
ways you can let go of the negative thoughts.
-
Put a smile on your face while you are
thinking - usually the negative thought will disappear!
-
For today, don’t talk about your unhappy
thoughts. Think about only what makes you happy.
Have a beautiful day and make a choice to
think happy thoughts!
Return to Article Archive
About Helen Burton
 Helen
Burton is a certified coach from iPEC, founder of Love
Yourself Coaching, and facilitator of progressive
coaching groups for over eight years.
Helen has been leading support circles and mastermind
groups specializing in helping individuals who are
working towards their ICF Certification and need support
building a successful coaching practice. Together with
her clients they quickly design smart strategies to find
ideal clients, strengthen their coaching skills, while
feeding their confidence, spirit and motivation to build
a successful business.
To learn more about Helen and her work, please visit her
blog at
http://loveyourselfcoaching.com/blog/.
|
Return to Article Archive
Visit the Love Yourself – IT
MATTERS! Blog |
