Thought For Today - January

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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”?

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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!

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Good Perfectionism?

Perfectionism can be a good thing but too much of perfectionism is not. So when your perfectionism shows up, use it in a good way. Put in a good effort without fussing or tweaking things too much. Relax your high standards without becoming slack. And do your best without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself and others.

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Less is More

Less is more.

Less stuff means more space. Less thoughts, more thoughtful. Less talk, more meaning. Less complaints, more gratitude.

What are you going to do less of today?

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Memories into Memoir

Ever thought about capturing some of your memories and life experiences in a memoir? Not your entire collection of memories or life experience, just one or a few. Write and turn a memory into a memoir.

It doesn’t have to be published or available for anyone else to read. It can be just for you. Be honest, audacious even, and you might just gain a fresh perspective, enriched self awareness, as well as, added wisdom. And if you were to share your memoir with others, they might just benefit from your life experiences.

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Saying Thank You

Notice how “thank you” pops out of our mouths so easily. As kids we learn to say thank you and recognize that to do so is good manners. But if we’re not careful it becomes habitual, robotic.

Be more mindful of why you say “thank you.” What are you sincerely thankful for? Maybe be more verbally specific about what you are thankful for.

Even though they’re only two small words, their impact is boundless if said with sincerity.

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Tasks You Don't Want To Do

Often we have to do tasks we don’t really want to do. So the question is what to do? Use our willpower to force our way through them? Find someone else to do them?

Next time you have to do a task you don’t want to do - try one of the following:
- Inject some enjoyment in the task and you’ll enjoy the process.
- Make your attitude positive and you’ll approach the task creatively.
- Do the task in a location you like and you’ll generate interest.
- Plan a treat for when you are done and you’ll complete the task.

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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.

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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.

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Blind Spots

All of us have blind spots – attitudes and behaviors that hinder our potential. So make it a habit to check for your blind spots. Sometimes these blind spots are more visible to others. So if you can’t spot them, you could ask someone you trust to give you honest feedback. Uncover your blind spots and transform them into your personal strengths!

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Miss-takes to Better Takes

We’ve all had those moments where we’ve said or done things that we’re not proud of, things that we know we could have done better.

Instead of feeling bad, see those moments as ‘miss-takes.’ Do what you have to do to fix the mistake. Then think about how to say or do things better when you get to do another ‘take.’

Go from ‘miss-takes’ to understanding how to take better ‘takes’ next time. And you'll make the best of your worst moments.

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Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

Not only is a good night’s sleep the key to health and beauty, but it also enhances our ability to stay alert, focused and make better decisions.

Here are a few tips for better sleep:
- Don't go to bed on a full stomach
- Have a screen break before bed
- Establish a bedtime routine to wind down
- Turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary
- Take a warm shower to soothe your muscles
- Meditate to clear your mind

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Don't Make it Personal

When we give critical feedback to someone, we’re usually referring to their actions. Yet so often we make it about their personality.

If you want to preserve the relationship, don't make it personal. Separate the personality and the actions from the person - and cultivate a positive attitude towards them.

Then when you give feedback, you'll empower yourself to communicate respectfully and constructively. Hopefully, as a result, the other person will feel that you're not getting personal but saying it for their benefit.

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I wish I....

Ever catch yourself thinking "I wish I was a little bit...." "I wish I had...."? If your wishful thinking leads to positive change, then great! But if your wishful thinking leads to nowhere, then it's time to take action and make your wishes come true.

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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.