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3 Ways to Handle Disturbingly Negative Thoughts

October 28, 2014 by Mike Bundrant

The human psyche has so many funky glitches that it’s a wonder we can all get along. Actually, on the whole, we have a very, very difficult time getting along, aren’t we?

This is why positive thinking resources are so necessary. They help us remain on the positive side of the mental equation. Still, what do we do when negative thoughts creep in?

Well, negativity begins in the mind, so let’s start with how it manifests and then discuss steps to take that will neutralize it.

Negativity can spontaneously manifest – and it often does so in a disturbing way. You may be sitting at lunch with a friend. Suddenly, a thought pops into your head: He’s so stupid. And look, his socks don’t even match. You may be meeting with your boss or another authority figure. Suddenly, you feel the urge to go off, ranting about what a horrible supervisor he or she is. You may even be cuddling with your romantic partner and begin to have doubtful, negative, and unfounded thoughts about his or her intentions.

Negativity can have a life of its own within our psyche, and we often feel helpless to do anything about it. The question is – what can you do to manage the negative aspects of your mind effectively?

Here are three ways to handle disturbingly negative thoughts:

1. Realize that impulsive, critical, and even blatantly hostile is normal.

These thoughts are not “socially acceptable,” so few people want to admit what’s going on in their heads. Nevertheless, your average person’s mind can be a steaming cauldron of mischief. I know this from 25 years of counseling and coaching very average people like me. My clients have always been well-adjusted, successful people with families, jobs, business ventures and adult responsibilities. Normal people. Yet, when we dig around just a bit, even the nicest, most reserved people reveal a totally different and much darker version of themselves.

This is normal, normal, normal. I’ve never met anyone – anyone – from the average marijuana-smoking teenager to the most distinguished professional who wasn’t struggling on a deeper level with this stuff.

I remember when I first realized that my mind was ready to go off on people. I was standing in the office of the Mission President in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (At the time, I was a Mormon missionary from 19-21 and a devout Mormon until age 37). Through hard work and dedication, I had risen through the ranks and landed a position as a special assistant to the president. This job was the envy of all power-hungry missionaries. Anyway, there we stood. The president was going on about necessary changes in the field and I was nodding along gravely.

I support you, Mr. President!

And then it hit me – the sudden urge to punch him in the face. I noticed my hand clenching and….Whoa! Hold on a second. Don’t punch your spiritual leader!

Then the voice, “Screw it. I’m going to lay this guy out right now!”

I said a silent prayer. I’m so sorry for my violent thoughts. Please give me the strength to respect my leader…

“Punch him! Punch that sucker!”

For six months I worked in the office of the president. And for six months I wanted to haul off and sock that guy in the face for no apparent reason (there was a reason – just not one I was aware of at the time). It was agonizing.

Ok? I’m a person, too. And this is all pretty normal from my perspective. If you are aware enough to notice your disturbing thoughts, congratulations. You are not alone. You’re in the company of every other human being who has ever existed. Trust me.

2. Thoughts are only thoughts; that is all they will ever be.

A thought is a tiny secretion of neurotransmitters. They happen to the tune of thousands per hour according to some estimates (actually, they can’t really be quantified since the brain never rests and is constantly processing an enormous amount of data). Some of this data rises to the surface where we give it conscious consideration and meaning.

Isn’t it interesting that we often give the negative stuff all the weight and dismiss the positive? These are your negative psychological attachments at work. Negative attachments are what keep us glued to inner angst. They’re powerful. I dedicated a book to this concept of clinging to inner negativity. It’s real – and everyone should be aware, as difficult as it is to admit.

Anyway, thoughts are just thoughts. They are neither good nor bad. They only have the significance that you give them. Can you stop taking them so seriously? If you can, then you’ll have more choices.

3. There is a solution.

It’s not a magical solution. No one can wave a magic wand that will clean up your mind, turning you into pure, golden light. You’re a person; imperfect and vulnerable.

That said, if you are willing to address the deeper issues, you can achieve a purer, more relaxed mind a lot more often. In my experience, you won’t get there by battling each thought. This only sets you up for war within yourself.

You get there by dealing with your deeper issues.

For me, the deeper issue was one of resistance to authority. Growing up, those in authority over me consistently hurt or neglected me. At length, I came to the conclusion that they didn’t care or didn’t know what they were doing – and therefore, no authority figure ought to have any power over me. In fact, I guess I thought authority figures needed to be punished.

These are childish thoughts from a hurt child who didn’t understand that my parents and older siblings were just people struggling with their own issues. In my child mind, I didn’t care. I just wanted revenge. This leads to problems throughout early adulthood. My rebel attitude only invited more intervention from authority – not less -which made me resent them all the more….vicious cycle. The Rebel is one of the 12 attachment types that cause self-sabotage per the AHA Solution online program. I had to work through this one for quite some time. It was worth it.

Most of all, working on the deeper issues has allowed me the luxury of a quiet mind that rarely spins out of control. My mind does still get the best of me from time to time, but nothing like before. More than worth all the effort!

Final Thoughts on Managing Your Darkest Thoughts

What’s the deeper issue beneath your negative thoughts?

Identify it. Name the issue and square yourself with the truth. Then, you’ll have your work cut out for you. It’s doable. And a much better path than remaining at the mercy of your mental demons.

10 Ways to Help Kids Think Positive

October 27, 2014 by Power of Positivity

Helping kids understand the effect of their thoughts, words, actions (and reactions) is essential in building a foundation for their future wellness. When kids learn how to think positive from a young age, they will have a much greater chance of leading happy, healthy, and successful lives as adults.

There are many effective ways to help guide children down a great path in life, but it’s up to us, the adults in their lives to get them started in the best direction possible. Here are some fantastic parenting tips to help you to that end.

Here are 10 ways to help your kids think positive:

1. Be a great role model.

“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” – Haim Ginott

If you want children to think positive, it’s important to be an exemplary role model. When you have a child, being conscious of your thoughts becomes a clear goal as you see them begin to mimic your moods, speech, and actions toward others.

Find a positive perspective in your experiences, and explain why the choice you made is important. Adults know that the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but children can forget this awareness at their age. Be someone they can learn from through both success and failure.

2. Help them feel comfortable with their emotions.

The aged assumption that “boys should not cry, and girls should always be dainty” can hinder a child’s creativity and ability to tap into their wellspring of love for themselves and others. Fostering emotional well-being among children has actually been shown to avoid “mental illness” later in life, along with many other health and social benefits.

Teach your child how to laugh, cry, and express their joy, and that it’s ok to do so. Let them live in an environment where they feel safe enough to communicate what they’re feeling, and what they want in life.

3. Teach them the law of attraction.

The law of attraction simply states that you will eventually receive the opportunity, in some form, to achieve that which is in alignment with your most dominant thoughts. If children understand this concept, they can learn to focus on achieving everything from potty training to becoming President. Teach your children to think well of themselves, as they are now. Teach them to be kind and compassionate toward others. This simple 3 step process to the law of attraction will help you explain it to them simply.

Also, have your child repeat positive affirmations in the mirror with you every day. Phrases like “I am creative, I am strong, I am a good friend, and I make a difference in the world” plants the seeds of positivity in their hearts, and impacts their lives in a tremendous way.

Nothing can stop your child from achieving greatness when they make positive thinking their habit. Watch young Jessica as she expresses her inner confidence in this Youtube video:

4. Be a motivator and encourager.

Help your child believe that they can be their best. Encourage them to follow their dreams and to believe that they can achieve great things in life.

Even if your child fails at something, motivate them to pick themselves up and carry on – teach them that in every outcome, there is always a silver lining. If your child was expecting to win first place at the science fair but didn’t, acknowledge their feelings. Talk about the cool projects, and how they can be inspired for their next project. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say that you tried your best, look forward, and that another opportunity will be on the way.

5. Teach them how to focus on solutions.

Followers talk about problems. Leaders talk about solutions.

Problem-solving is a critical skill that all kids need to gain confidence, continue thinking positive, and excel in life. Help them learn about the problem and what created it, then how to move past it and focus on a solution.

Moving into the “solution zone” as quickly as possible will encourage them to always think positive, and be confident that answers are always out there.

6. Allow them the freedom to do what they love.

To flourish in their own unique way, children need some freedom to do what they love. Guide children to safely find their purpose and passion. Create a learning environment from what excites them in life. Everything has a lesson, and it’s up to us to provide that lesson in the most engaging way to maximize a child’s learning.

7. Surround them with positive people.

Surround children with a positive, uplifting environment. Explain to them that they are a product of the people they spend the most time with, and to try to associate with other people who also think positive. From this fertile positive environment, they can move forward in helping others think positive as well.

8. Encourage strong morals and values.

Children can grow up to be strong, positive leaders if cornerstone positive morals and values are built from a young age. Knowing what’s “right and wrong” when interacting with friends, holding them accountable for their mistakes, and teaching them to follow through with commitments are all core principles of practicing positivity.

To help them understand easily, talk about your own life experiences such as returning someone’s wallet or intentionally making friends with the new kid at school to welcome them.

9. Ask them about the positive events of their day.

Instead of just asking how their day went, ask them about the positive things that happened during their day. These specific questions help them focus on their achievements rather than disappointments.

When children stay focused on thinking positive, their positive experiences will only continue to grow.

10. Create a literacy-rich environment.

Support literacy starting from an early age. It takes them to places they can embrace their own powers. A child that often reads is enriched with the power to strategize and solve problems. Give them library cards, provide puzzles, read a variety of books, play bingo, scrabble, and introduce books on the computer. There are even programs like Reading Kingdom that allows them to play online as they learn to read.

Your turn: Share your tips to help kids think positive in the discussion below!

5 Ways to Think Outside the Box

October 25, 2014 by Power of Positivity

To think outside the box means to think creatively, free from any constraints of societal or “accepted” norms. It’s become almost cliche in society, but is so much more than that. Throughout history, “radical” ideas from outside the box have changed the way people learn, form ideas, and construct civilization as a whole. But why is such a common phrase today put into practice so little?

With an expanded positive thinking mindset, it becomes very possible avoid the cyclical ills of society that cause problem after problem. Solutions are often waiting for you to simply peel back the curtain of your current awareness.

Here are 5 Ways to Help You Think Outside the Box:

1. Release limiting beliefs

The first thing you’ve got to be willing to do to regularly think outside the box is realizing what’s holding you in it in the first place and why you’re in it.

Society has molded a “structure” that people are expected to follow. In many cases, people pursue academia, followed by a career to work your way to the top… But when you realize that many of the world’s biggest successes never made it out of high school, following a traditional path may seem fruitless. Don’t be afraid to blaze your own path to creating a positive and prosperous lifestyle.

Anyone can release limiting beliefs. You’ve probably done so and don’t even realize it. Just ask yourself “are there beliefs I’ve held 5 years ago that I do not hold today?”. That question alone shows you the possibility to release limiting beliefs think outside the box

2. Practice responsibility

Thinking outside the box is like exploring uncharted territory. You’re opening yourself up to new perspectives, beliefs, and paradigms. The potential energy that awaits you outside the box is limitless and must be handled with responsibility.

As new people and possibilities enter your realm, maintaining a level head will help you stay focused on what you want. The possibility of losing your vision for stepping outside the box altogether is there — if you allow it to be. No matter how far in or out of the box you may be, your actions still create your future. Create responsibly.

3. Release judgment

Once you’re opened up to new ways of thinking, you may come to a new level of understanding a person’s power of choice. So long as it’s not destructive or hurtful toward anyone, a positive practice is to release judgment and understand that we all have an equal amount of power to create in this world.

Releasing judgment will not only make room for more abundance in your own life but may also even restore a little bit of your faith in humanity!

4. Remember how small you really are.

Many people are thinking inside the box (and sometimes a very small one) without even realizing it. They think that this space is all there is, with nothing behind the walls of their current reality.

Your life is a perfectly unique piece of the entire cosmos but is only that – a piece. Stepping outside and away from “you” for a moment opens up a whole new perspective on how small you really are, and how big the world around you really is. Like sand, a beach is not formed from a single grain, but each grain still plays an equal part in creating the beach.

5. Be confident

Make no doubt, many thought leaders have paid the price for thinking outside the box. But those people knew the positive effect their discoveries would make and showed resolve to prove a new truth to the world. If you’re ever afraid of what “the box people” think of the new ideas you’re bringing to the table, remember that if they don’t accept it – it may be because your idea is too big for the box itself.

As you continue to think outside the box, you’ll find yourself asking new questions. Dare to continue asking and seeking answers – be an agent of progress. The “rabbit hole” you’re traveling down goes as far as you want it to. Could you be thinking outside one box, then realize that you’re only in another? Life is limited only by the limitations you set on it.

Take this article outside the box – In what ways have you discovered newness in your life? What new ways of thought, speech, action, and reaction have you discovered? How have they changed your life overall?

What happened when I pretended my marriage was the best ever (and how it got there)

October 25, 2014 by Éva Rawposa

“What if I just pretend we have the best marriage ever?” I asked my husband one day. We’ve had our ups and downs, but it was a most serious question.

And then I had this weird realization that we might already be, but we were pretending that we didn’t. Like maybe we were letting silly human challenges (like growth, learning, and parenting) take the focus instead of a great marriage that’s waiting to bloom.

What could it hurt to think in a different way?

I was DONE with fighting over stupid stuff. I was DONE with feeling like the man who was supposed to be my partner didn’t even like me. And I was DONE with feeling like a complete failure. I was DONE with looking with regret at my wedding ring.

I’m typing now with a smile as I remember when I ended up secretly experimenting with this. I was close to giving up hope, but I was SURE there must be a way to love this seemingly difficult man. There HAD to be because we made this sweet little baby together, and I was determined to stay together! Assuming we could somehow transform our marriage into one I enjoyed.

My Secret Marriage Experiment

My secret experiment was founded on the hope that I could act “as if” our marriage was amazing until reality changed. So I pretended our marriage was already there. (One that’s strong, loving, faithful, quite pleasant, and dare I say even delicious. With two equals happily cohabitating and sharing life. Who would renew those vows any day of the year.)

Many times a day, I asked myself, “What would I do if we had the best marriage ever?”

I asked myself before he came home from work to greet him. This was a stretch for me. I’d stop working before he arrived, freshen up a bit, and greet him with a yummy kiss and my full attention.

I asked myself when planning dinner. I’d think about us both, what he loved AND what I loved.

Also, I asked myself when deciding if I wanted sex. And what that would look like.

I asked myself when deciding what to tell him. Did I really need to vent to him about anything? Nope. Did it really matter if he put the toilet lid down? Not really. Did it really matter if he left a mess in the kitchen? Nah. It turns out not that much really matters in the day-to-day stuff.

I will never forget how surprised he looked when I was happy to see him.

I will never forget how many times he apologized for being a “back seat driver” because he was scared it would annoy me. Then the surprise that I never got annoyed. (Not anymore, not in “the best marriage ever”! I just smiled and adjusted my driving per his requests. Slowed down. Then sped up. It then slowed down. Then sped up. I’m not even joking. I just shrugged and went with it. Because, really, who cares?)

I will never forget how the spot between his eyebrows suddenly softened, and so did the way he looked at me.

I will never forget how it felt to suddenly fantasize about my husband again.

The results from my secret experiment are in, and I can only laugh. This is better than I ever could have hoped for.

It took exactly one day to move from nearly ready to divorce, to feeling like we might just be building the best marriage ever.

That’s what I hoped for when I married him. I just didn’t know it could be so simple.

Also, I didn’t know that there was a particular way to make it happen or that I needed to take 100% responsibility in our two-person marriage. I want to share with you exactly what is making this one-day experiment a long-term success. Not because I know how to make your relationship better, but because I am seeing a pattern here that I can’t deny. I’m a bit startled at how simple this might be.

CONDUCT YOUR OWN MARRIAGE EXPERIMENT!

These are the pieces that I see now were key in this and in pretty much everything else I’ve ever really wanted.

1. How IMPORTANT is this to you?

If what’s happening now is not in alignment with your desire for life, what’s the potential difference in making the effort to effect change?

2. Get crystal CLARITY

That is, about exactly what it is you’re hoping to resolve or do as a result of your experiment.

3. Move forward under the full and gutsy ASSUMPTION that you can have whatever you want.

And then act like you already do.

4. Practice PERSEVERANCE

Start by committing yourself full-on for whatever period of time you think is worth it. (This won’t stick for me either if I don’t keep it up!)

5. Finally, RELEASE attachment

Get rid of old emotional attachments, and know that however it works out can be for your highest good.

This isn’t just some story I wanted to share with you. I realize now that this can apply to nearly anything in life. We are the ones choosing our beliefs and actions!

Do you want to be an amazing mom? Let THAT be the barometer for how you make parenting choices. You want to have a thriving business? Let THAT be the barometer for how you spend your working hours. You want to feel good in your skin? Let THAT be the barometer for what is worthy of your attention, plate, and activity. ETC.

I cannot stress this enough… If this resonates… If you’re having a challenge… Why not try it out for yourself? You have nothing to lose, but you know what you have to gain!

7 Ways to Show More Compassion to Others

October 24, 2014 by Power of Positivity

“Our human compassion binds us to one another – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela

After watching the news recently, two starkly different images came to mind. The first images were of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals diligently and lovingly providing care to sick, contagious patients in West Africa. The next set of images were of a violent, extremist group – holding their assault rifles in the air while waving their flags, celebrating the epitome of hate and violence.

How can a single human race be so divided, with people fervently racing toward each end of the spectrum?

The answer is quite simple – human beings have a choice whether or not to show compassion and understanding toward others. When we show true compassion, we can make tremendously positive differences in the world. Where compassion and willingness to understand and others is absent, there is a sense of hurt and a longing for love and acceptance. This ultimately appears in a physical form of negativity, including hatred and violence.

As Gandhi once stated, we must be the change we wish to see in the world. If you’re going to start, start here and now with you…

Here are 7 ways that you can show more compassion toward others…

1. Accept disagreements and differing opinions.

The intricate diversity and differing beliefs of individuals is part of what makes our world a remarkable and interesting place. It’s almost comical to see two people argue over a simple difference of opinion. Debating viewpoints on a particular topic is intellectually healthy and can be quite enjoyable. However, there is a difference between becoming combative (verbally, sometimes physically) and debating.

As thinking creatures, we form opinions on a variety of issues. These opinions are a product of various factors – our environment, home life, upbringing, and intellectual and emotional experiences. Where there are people, there are different opinions. It’s an interesting thing that should be appreciated, not demonized.

2. Listen.

Truly listening to others is a seemingly lost skill for many people today. When in a meeting sometime, notice how many people are swiping and typing away on their phones, looking out the window, or talking to someone else. It is incredibly disrespectful, not to mention discouraging to the person trying to convey their message.

To be compassionate means to not just hear, but to listen to others. Making it a point to look someone in their eyes and provide feedback throughout the conversation shows active listening, a tremendous skill to have and one that can show compassion.

3. Empathize with others.

“Put yourself in their shoes, look at the world through their eyes.” President Barack Obama made this statement in a speech regarding the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, encouraging them to show empathy towards one another.

To empathize with someone does not necessarily mean to sympathize with them. It’s not quite as simple as “taking to heart” someone else’s circumstances. To empathize means to make the conscious attempt to trade places with the person (or people) in order to gain perspective. Often times, we can show true compassion by just being empathetic.

4. Volunteer for a greater purpose.

The biggest differences in our world are often made through groups of determined volunteers. Advocating and volunteering through the giving of yourself and your time is a special kind of compassion.

We can verbalize how much we support this cause or that cause, but it’s through our actions that real change materializes. In many ways, time is more precious than money. Regardless of our financial situation, we can make a determined effort to give back through donating our time and efforts towards a greater purpose.

5. Demonstrate acceptance.

To demonstrate acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean that you agree with someone, rather you accept someone out of respect for the dignity of that individual’s humanity. It means the simple recognition and appreciation for our differences.

One of the beautiful things about the United States, for instance, is the diversity of the population itself. Even today, the U.S. is the primary destination of immigrant citizens from around the world. In fact, most natural born citizens can trace their roots directly to a vast wave of immigration that happened between 1890 and 1919.

How was this possible? We were accepting of other people and welcomed them with open hearts and minds. We should continue to do the same as individuals.

“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures.” – Albert Einstein

6. Practice acts of kindness.

Practice doing something small each and every day to make someone else’s life better. These acts of kindness don’t require anything besides a willingness to act for the benefit of someone else.

If a daily practice is made of showing kindness, it will eventually become something that is done without much thought and effort. In fact, the satisfaction created by demonstrating these acts of kindness will encourage us to do so more often.

7. Commit to a morning ritual of gratitude.

Taking a small amount of time in the morning to appreciate life and what you’ve been given is a great springboard into practicing compassion throughout the day.

Here is a quote by the Dalai Lama on affirming gratitude and appreciation in the morning. Notice in his quote how he first emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation for life and self-growth before using our energies and abilities to benefit others. In other words, compassion starts with appreciation, gratitude and self-love.

“Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

What additional ways do you demonstrate compassion toward others? Add to the discussion below!

11 Powerful Beliefs to Free You from Negativity

October 23, 2014 by Power of Positivity

“That’s my gift: I let negativity roll off me like water off a duck’s back. If it’s not positive, I didn’t hear it. It you can overcome that, fights are easy.” – George Foreman

This is a wonderful quote by George Foreman and how he deals with negativity in his life. Much like George’s boxing matches, one must train in order to be free from negativity. In this case, it’s consciously training your mind to form positive, supportive, and uplifting beliefs. Once you take control and build a positive belief system, your life ultimately follows suit, creating more positive results and diminishing the negative.

Here are 11 powerful thoughts to remember to free yourself from negativity.

1. I am free to be myself.

Trying to become someone else when around other people is both unnatural and unnecessary. Not only that, but it also causes a lot of undue stress that you don’t need. Anyways, why would you need to pretend to be someone else for people to like you? Who cares if they think badly about you anyways?

Bottom line: if someone can’t love and appreciate you for who you are, they aren’t worth having around in your life.

2. My past is not my future.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

This is Emerson’s beautiful way of saying that your character is what matters – not what you’ve done before and not even what you’ll do in the future. While people may know about your past and even judge you on it, your strength of character will ultimately win out. If you have this inner strength, it doesn’t matter what situation comes your way.

3. Each experience is a lesson learned.

When something bad happens to you, consider it a lesson learned, as that is exactly what it is. When faced with an adverse situation, there are only two outcomes: you win or you don’t win.

Now, while you may technically “lose”, there is still something to be gained from the experience – the strength of character. Throughout each and every difficulty that you’ve faced in your lifetime, you’ve become a stronger individual as a result.

Think back some years to a time where you felt “defeated”. Try to remember what it felt like and what your thought process was. Unless it was a sincerely traumatic event, it’s probably very difficult to recreate these thoughts and feelings. That’s because we move on…and become stronger people.

4. Appreciation and gratitude are the keys to happiness.

There is nothing quite as powerful as “an attitude of gratitude” in determining how happy your life is (or isn’t). Not being appreciative and grateful is often the result of comparing yourself to others, not considering your blessings in life, or having a sense of entitlement.

Instead, consider what you already have. Take some time to write five things that you are grateful for, and repeat this list to yourself when the situation arises. You’ll find that your perspective begins to change for the better!

5. “Roll with the punches – tomorrow is another day.”

Does anyone out there remember this quote? It’s from a character named Dicky Fox in the movie “Jerry Maguire,” and it stuck with me ever since…I know, kind of an odd way to remember a quote.

Just as you should not let our past dictate our future, you shouldn’t let your today influence your tomorrow. Take the punches as they come, keep building that inner strength and just drive on.

6. What people say or think about me is not my problem.

The negative things that people say or think about you are often a reflection of themselves. Allowing this negativity to affect you is a tremendous waste of your energy, time and attention.

You must remember that our brain’s resources are finite – where you set your attention matters. Don’t waste your mental resources on some ignorant person’s negativity towards you. If possible, spend some time with a friend or just take yourself out of the situation.

7. My happiness comes from what I choose to think.

As with most other realizations in our lifetime, happiness is in your mind. I love this quote from Buddha: “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” Happiness and most other emotions are a product of your thoughts.

You can choose to focus on what you’re grateful and appreciative for or you can choose to focus on the negativity presently in your life. The choice is yours and yours alone. Make the attempt to produce positive thoughts and disregard the negative ones.

8. How I spend my time matters.

Your time is valuable for a couple of reasons: there is not enough of it (for anyone), and the way in which you spend it has an impact on your frame of mind.

Focus on spending your time being productive, having fun, relaxing, and enjoying life as opposed to putting yourself in negative situations. Remember the fact that your time on this Earth is limited, and that you’ll never get a day of your life back…so make every day count.

9. I work joyfully.

“If you want to have the perks, you have to put in the work.” we disagree with that quote – the perks should be the work.

If you desire work that makes you truly happy, whether it’s being your own boss, managing a store, becoming CEO, becoming an author or anything else…you need to find a way to make the work joyful.

It’s become almost universally accepted that work is a tedious, but necessary, a requirement to live. This misguided, unfortunate mindset has been accepted by most people as a reality. Don’t buy into it. Find something you can work towards that will bring you happiness. Even if it’s unpaid right now, it will pay off to live out your passion.

10. I make a difference each day.

Yes, you can make a difference each day. Someone somewhere can be positively impacted by how you choose to conduct yourself. Whether it’s at the workplace, at home or somewhere else, you can have a positive influence on someone.

Surround yourself with positive people, be mindful and deliberate in your words and actions, and make a conscious effort to be genuine, thoughtful, and caring towards other people. If you do these things, you’ll find that making a difference each day was easier than previously thought.

11. I release drama from my life.

Americans have become addicted to the dramatic…and much of it isn’t their own fault. Flip on the T.V. and attempt to stomach one of the latest “reality” shows…that’s drama at its worst.

Sadly, this infatuation with the dramatic has trickled into our own personal lives. People have misconstrued drama as excitement…in the movies, maybe. In reality, dramatic people are draining, obsessive, and often irrational. Don’t allow these types of individuals or situations into your life.

Add to the discussion below. What beliefs have you allowed into your life to free yourself from negativity?

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