So often in our society, describing our lives and lifestyles is either a list of things we still need to get done, or a long list of complaints. We talk about how busy we are, or what is going wrong in our lives. The only time people really stop to say something positive or clever is when they are posting on Facebook. We are too busy (or distracted) to pay attention to what we are grateful for.
The other day, I was stopped in my tracks by my mother. Because I am so close to her, I let my guard down and let my fears, woes and frustrations out. She is an amazing listener, and after who knows how long of my latest series of to do’s and complaints, she asked me a very important question:
What Do You Appreciate?
I was totally caught off guard. ”What?”
She repeated herself calmly, “Brooke, what do you appreciate?”
It took me a minute to shift gears and realize that I had just been going on and on about the bad side of life, and hadn’t spent any time thinking about what I appreciate or what I am grateful for. This was shocking to me, because I tend to be a rather positive person, however, I had to admit I had gotten sucked in to being a Negative Nancy!!
Oh, you don’t know her? Well Maybe you actually do…
Meet Negative Nancy
- Everyone is Against Her
- Life is probably Against Her
- Nothing is going Her Way
- People do things To Her
- She says things like, “OMG, you will never believe what happened to ME!”
You might try to talk to her about her life, until you realize it is no use. Her conversations only involve herself (as the main character) and she is always right, while everyone else is always wrong. And everything basically sucks.
Anybody Know a Nancy? Or, maybe you’ve been one yourself?
After I woke up to the fact that I was being a “Nancy”, I realized I need to bring myself back to a very important practice that has always helped me to clear things up and get what I want. I needed to start thinking in terms of what I was grateful for, and as my mother said, concentrate on what I appreciate.
I’ve realized it has done me a whole world of good, and the positive things keep popping up more frequently. Actually, sometimes it kinda freaks me out… but in a good way. Anyhow, if you want to, try this:
Make a Mental List of What You Are Grateful For
Every night before bed, review your day and try to pull out the positive things that happened. Take some time to consider how fortunate you are and feel the appreciation for these things in your life.
Spend Time Asking For What You Want
Next, spent some time asking for help with the things you find frustrating, or people you find difficult. (If I am in a situation I can’t solve, I focus on handing it over, and letting someone else sort the details for me.)
Retrain Your Brain
As I said in the opening of this article, many of us have learned to communicate based on the things we don’t have or we don’t want. Throughout the day, try to catch yourself when you do this and retrain your brain to think about something that feels good, or focusing on an outcome that you actually want.
Use Your Words
Our words are powerful tools that steer the direction of our lives. Make sure your words are supporting the type of person you want to be, and the goals you want to achieve. Being a grateful and positive person means using uplifting words, talking about what is working, and what you are excited about.
Think Positive!!
As the chart above shows, our thoughts ultimately determine our actions. So, if we want to achieve, we have to believe! Start implementing these exercises in your daily life, and I GUARANTEE you will see a difference! I can’t explain how it happens, but the things you want will begin to appear in your life, and you will begin to attract even more of what you want.
Try it! I Dare You!!
