Being Grateful
Did you know that our brains prioritize negative emotions rather than positive? We are hard wired for negativity. According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of our thoughts are negative and 95% of our thoughts are repetitive.
Years ago it was suggested to me that for every negative thought I entertain, introduce 3 positive ones to increase resiliency and gratitude. While I am anything but perfect in practicing this, I have much better self-awareness when negative thoughts surface and my intention is to shift to the positive; focusing on what I CAN do rather than what I can not do. Focusing on what I DO have rather than on what I want, focusing on what IS GOING WELL rather than what is not.
How can you actively begin to appreciate specific feelings and details about all people, things, or events even when reason suggests otherwise?
When my son had a life threatening accident at age 7 there was one word that I repeated that shifted my whole attitude. While I was not thankful FOR Tate's accident, I could give thanks that IN this trauma we were loved and supported by friends, we had world class brain surgeons at our fingertips, we had amazing insurance, and so much more.
It is also a powerful way to improve your emotional well-being. Studies show that people who practice gratitude are more resilient to stress and less depressed.
I practice a habit that BJ fogg. (Behavior Scientist) shares. Each morning upon awakening, I stretch and say before getting put of bed "It's going to be a great day!" Even on mornings when I'm feeling less than grateful or feeling a little anxious, I still say it. Sometimes we just have to "act as if." When you wake up in the morning, say thank you for this wonderful day. Search your mind for people you can thank today.
Instead of thinking about what's not going well in your life or what you still haven't accomplished, think about how much you wanted some of the things that you now have, and acknowledge that they are now in your life and appreciate them.
Here's a challenge for you. For the next several days leading up to Thanksgiving, make a commitment to only focus on what is going well or what went well. No matter what is going on in your life, strive to do this for the next few days. If you're anxious or a stressful moment creeps up, PUSH PAUSE and divert your mind to think about what you are grateful for, or what went well the previous day, or what has been going well for you in your life in general.
Over time, your mind will automatically have more positive thoughts to think about, and you will move away from negative, painful, stressful thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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