Thought For Today - January
 

January 1

New Year

The dawn of a new year is a time of new possibilities. Let go of the past, reach into the future and give birth to new possibilities.

January 2

Preferences, Not Expectations

We all have expectations on how we want things to happen. When things don’t happen the way you want them to, instead of getting frustrated and disappointed, tell yourself: “I would have preferred “A”, but now that “B” has happened, it’s OK! Have preferences, not expectations. “I’d prefer if people were thoughtful, but when they’re rude, it’s not going to ruin my day.” “I’d prefer sunshine but rain is OK!” Play this game in your head, and you’ll feel more peaceful.

January 3

Thought Diet

Why not make your mind healthier and go on a thought diet! Cut down on all those unhealthy negative and wasteful thoughts that offer no nutritional value. Start feeding your mind with positive healthy thoughts. Here’s our suggestion for a balanced diet for the mind: For vitamins have creative ideas. For proteins, think powerful thoughts about yourself. For carbohydrates, have good feelings for others.

Intention to Eat Healthier?

Like many of us, if eating healthier is on your good intentions list this year, here are a few tips:
- Clear out the unhealthy foods from the kitchen and keep temptation away.
- Indulge once in a while, in moderation, and avoid being overly restrictive.
- Experiment with new recipes and find healthier options that you enjoy.

Come on, nudge yourself towards being kind to your body and turn your good intention into action.

In Your Hands

Your actions are the pen with which you write your destiny. Simply put, what goes around comes around.

Understand the process and reclaim your power to create what you want. The pen is in your hands.

When Someone Has a Problem with You

If someone has a problem with you and nothing you do seems to resolve it, try this. Try to create good wishes for the person. If you find this difficult, think of a positive quality that will turn things around.

Think positively and send the person your good wishes, for several days. Try this, and it may help you to resolve the problem.

Even if things don't get resolved, continue to have good wishes for the person, whenever they come to your mind. Try this, and maybe one day their feeling or their attitude towards you may change.

I Don't Have Time!

“I don’t have time.” If you think it, you believe it. Not only is it self-fulfilling but it also creates a feeling of scarcity, stress and sadness.

Ditch the “I don’t have time” attitude. Instead, switch to “I have time.” "I have the right amount of time to do the things I want and need to do." Change your attitude and see how it changes how you feel.

An Open Mind

You've heard the quote: "The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open."

Try keeping an open mind. You may understand things better, enhance the quality of your relationships & discover a world of possibilities. The result may just be amazing.

So keep your mind open, just know what to let in.

January 9

How Many Homes?

How many homes do you have? Four. Really? You may have more but you definitely have four homes.

The first home is your mind, where you create your thoughts and feelings. The second is the body. The third is where you live. The fourth is the one home we all share, Earth.

You are responsible for the well-being of all your homes. So, give all your homes the necessary time, attention and care. Use them with dignity and with a positive purpose. And feel at home in all your homes.

January 10

Keep that Holiday Feeling

When we’re back from our holidays there’s a spring in our step, a sparkle in our eyes… We come back feeling relaxed and refreshed. But how long does the holiday feeling last? What can you do to keep that holiday feeling? It’s all too easy to get sucked back into the daily grind. So what will you do to recall that holiday feeling when you slip back into old habits and feelings?

Making Mondays Brighter

Do you dread Monday mornings? If Monday is not your favorite day of the week:
- Be energized not tired, by making Sunday evenings restful & getting enough sleep.
- Plan something special for Monday evenings & have something to look forward to.
- Kick start your Monday motivation with upbeat music, words & a good breakfast.

What will you do differently to make Mondays a bright start to the week?

Responsibility for Learning

When a challenging situation arises, you could and probably will shift the responsibility onto something or someone else. But at some point you will probably have to recognize your responsibility in the situation. Taking responsibility doesn’t mean blaming yourself. It means recognizing that there is something to learn here.

Step back from the challenging situation. Observe it and ask yourself: What is this situation trying to tell me? What can I learn here? Learn, and you will find it easier to deal with the situation.

The Beauty of Imperfection

When we look at a lotus flower, we appreciate the beauty and the perfection above the water. Now, if we looked under the water, things are not so perfect. But actually, the imperfect muddy roots are vital in sustaining the lotus flower.

Beauty and imperfection come as a package. So, embrace your imperfections and appreciate all aspects of yourself. Accept the whole package, accept yourself as you are.

Feel Like a Pressure Cooker?

Ever feel like a pressure cooker? When thoughts and emotions build up, we become like a pressure cooker on the verge of exploding.

Next time you feel like a pressure cooker, turn the heat down and loosen the lid of routine. Unwind and gradually let off some steam and release the pressure.

Once you’ve cooled down, think about 1) where the pressure is coming from, 2) how to avoid becoming like a pressure cooker again, 3) setting a whistle to warn you, maybe your body, emotions or reactions can signal you when the pressure is building up.

What Freedom Means

We all love the idea of being free - but what does that really mean? Well, freedom doesn’t mean 'doing what you want, when you want'. Freedom is a state of mind.
So free your mind from all that holds you down and holds you back.

Be free and carry the experience of freedom into who you are and what you do.

January 16

It’s All Good

Whatever happens in your life…. are you ready to take on the perspective, “it’s all good”?

“It’s all good” doesn’t mean that it is all good. It’s not wishful thinking or sweeping things under the carpet. Perceive what’s happening as “it’s all good”, and you make it easier for yourself to think positively and handle things better.

Ready to take on “it’s all good”?

January 17

Conversation Battles

When someone brings their opinions to a conversation, armed and ready for battle, it’s easy to react or get defensive. How about taking a moment to: 1) Think through how you can disarm the other person and voice your opinions tactfully. 2) Decide if you want to continue with the conversation, redirect it or resume it a later time. Remember, you don’t have to engage in the conversation. You can always make a graceful exit from the conversation!

Every Last Moment

You've probably heard something similar to this, "Live every moment as if it is your last."

Now, what does this mean to you? For me, this is not about being morbid or about living like you’re dying. It is about discovering what really matters and not sweating about the small stuff. It is about taking life by the reins and living purposefully and fearlessly.

Live every moment as if it is your last and you'll give your best to every interaction, every task, and every moment.

Wanting to Please Others

Who doesn't want to please others and make them happy? There's nothing wrong in it, in fact, it's healthy. But it becomes unhealthy when pleasing others becomes the reason why we are not true to ourselves. And often, despite our best efforts, it's impossible to please everyone.

Do things for others whilst being true to yourself. Put in your best efforts and you will be happy and pleased with yourself. And the happier you are, the happier and pleased others will be with you.

A Meditation to Energize You

If you want to start your day feeling full of energy, try this energizing morning meditation.

Remove your mind from everything and imagine that you’re sitting under the warm sun. Let the heat dissolve all the tension in your body, from the top of your head right through to the tips of your toes. Open your mind to catch the sunlight and let the warmth pour into your mind. Absorb the rays of strength and power up your whole being with energy and vitality. Feeling energized, return your awareness to the present. Now carry that energy into your day.

While You Wait

We do a lot of waiting. Waiting at the airport, at the traffic lights, the bus stop, checkout counters.... What do you do while you wait? Keep checking your watch, tapping your feet, getting annoyed?

Next time you find yourself waiting, turn it into an experience. Resolve something that's been at the back of your mind or just let your mind wander. Strike up a conversation with someone or make phone calls. Or people watch, doodle, write a poem, stretch your muscles.... Of course, it all depends on where you are.

What are some of your favorite things to do while you wait?

Thinking All The Time

We think, think and think. Most of the thinking starts off as necessary thoughts, but when these thoughts become repetitive they become unnecessary thoughts. If we keep thinking all the time, we use up lots of energy. It's exhausting and it just weakens our ability to focus.

Next time you find yourself thinking unnecessarily, put a stop to it. Think when it's necessary to think. This way, you will strengthen your ability to think clearly and constructively. You will also conserve your energy to focus when you need to.

January 23

Tangled Up

There are times when we become entangled in negative thoughts. Get all tangled up and you create confusion and agitation.

Here are two simple ways to untangle yourself:
1. Use the same method of becoming entangled in a different way. Get entangled in happy, positive thoughts.
2. Remind yourself that you are not your thoughts. Become separate from your thoughts and you create space and freedom.

January 24

The 3 R’s of Relationships

Here are the 3 R’s to make the relationships that matter most, easier: Roles, Rules, and Rituals. Roles clarify what is expected of you. Otherwise there’s frustration and confusion when roles are unclear. Know your specific role in each relationship and play your part well. Rules are boundaries that outline what your limits are and where you stand. For healthy relationships, it’s good to discuss and review your rules regularly, and know when to compromise. Rituals are simple things that build meaningful connections, such as making eye contact as you say ‘good morning’ and ‘goodbye’. Make up and keep up with rituals that work for you.

Turning Envy into Motivation

Ever wallow in envy? Even when you're happy with your life? If the answer is yes, don't be embarrassed, acknowledge and accept how you feel.

Now, identify what's really making you envious? Your colleague's promotion or their success? Your boss's schedule or their flexible hours? Friends who travel the world or their sense of adventure?

Do you really want what the other person has? If the answer is yes, ask yourself, if you're willing to put in the work? If the answer is yes, turn your envy into motivation, and go for what you really want in life. If the answer is no, then be happy for the other person and admire the skills and strengths, the drive and determination that got them where they are.

The New Relaxation Trend

Have you tried the new relaxation trend? Coloring in.

When you're coloring in, you're so concentrated on staying between the lines that you're completely in the moment. Imagine, you have complete creative freedom over what colors to use. It’s a great way to de-stress and express yourself.

Come on, give it a try. Try it, you might just get hooked.

Spontaneous or a Planner?

When it comes to having fun, do you plan or are you spontaneous? Well, even fun needs to be organized. We have to research the activity, make the time, coordinate with others, book things in advance. But when we over-plan, it's likely that we will take the fun out of fun.

Try not to over-organize the fun. Instead, add a little more spontaneity. Be spontaneous & you give yourself the freedom to discover & play. You also give yourself the space to do what you feel like doing in that moment.

There's a time to plan & a time to be spontaneous. And maybe there's a time for a bit of both, planning just enough & at the same time, leaving some room for spontaneity.

Your Inner Library

Our inner world is a bit like a library; a world of words and images. Everything we’ve seen, heard, experienced, and the lessons we’ve learnt - all our memories and wisdom are stored here. But, often when we visit our inner library, we only choose books that are dark and negative.

Why not, reframe some of those stories and make them positive. Then, when you're next browsing through those books, they may actually be enlightening. Why not, recycle all that is not helpful. Then you'll refresh your inner library and make space for something new.

Keep Forgetting?

Remember those good intentions you had at the start of the year? Well, if you haven't yet turned your intentions into actions, ask yourself, why! If the reason is simply because you keep forgetting, try this:
1. Remind yourself why your goal or resolution matters.
2. Place visual reminders where you will see them.
3. Attach your goal or resolution to something you already do.

Hopefully, one of the above will remind you to put your intention into action.

January 30

Pull Yourself Out of a Mood

Sometimes we wake up in a bad mood, or our mood crashes for a reason or even no reason. Now, as a lot in life depends on our mood, remember, we don't have to put up with our bad mood.

To pull yourself out of a mood, remind yourself: I am not my mood. Moods come and go. They do not represent the state of your life, they just pretend to. So, do something, anything that feels good to shift and lift your mood.

Once you pull yourself out of that mood, try to understand what really put you in that mood.

January 31

Listen to your Conscience

The voice of our conscience is not to induce fear or guilt, but for positive guidance. Our conscience is our moral compass that guides us to shift in a positive direction when we’ve done something wrong. Why not take your conscience to the cleaners regularly. Examine if there’s anything on your conscience. Listen to your conscience. Let your conscience prod you to clean up your act and become a better you.