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.