Focus on positivity

This week's quote:

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.”—Ruth Ann Schabaker

Do you open your eyes each morning, dreading what the day will bring? Are you afraid that the only news you hear will be negative, that the only calls will be from creditors, that the only mail you receive will be holding bad news?

While there are days when the scales seem tipped in favor of the disheartening, the truth is that we see what we focus on. In other words, if we expect the day to be dark and dismal, if we anticipate only negative outcomes, that is exactly what we get. Not because our thoughts can control events but because our mindset acts like blinders, blocking from our vision anything positive.

This week, start each day with an expectation of positivity. Train your mental eye to look for anything good or happy or hopeful that occurs and take note of it. Write it down in your journal. Put it on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror. Call people and share it with them.

Focusing on positivity not only lifts your spirits but also gives you the energy to push forward through difficulties to success.

What do you need?

This week's quote:

“…We have lost track of the difference between what we want and what we need. Everything has become a need.” Anne Wilson Schaef, Ph.D.in Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much.

What do you want?

More importantly, what do you need?

In this time of belt-tightening, we tend to focus on what we can't have. For some, it might be dinners out or weekends away. For others, it may be the basic necessities: money for health care or groceries, for example.

And it's true--these are dark and difficult days. That's what makes it all the more important to identify what really matters, what we truly need in our lives and focus on that.

But don't stop there. Identify what you already have--what blessings exist in your life right now, what intangible assets serve to balance your "life books."

Focus not on deprivation but on abundance.

Sharing the joy

Along with posting a topic of the month, I’ve decided to post a thought for the week to keep us inspired and focused on making the changes that will make a difference.

With that in mind, here is this week’s words of wisdom:

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom” — Marcel Proust

There are people in our lives who bring us joy, who support us in time of need, who reaffirm our belief in the goodness of mankind. But too often, we neglect to thank them for what they have brought into our lives.

This week, make that call or write that note to someone who has brought happiness into your life. Then, choose someone for whom you can be that person. Give a hug. Offer a compliment. Let them know they matter.

Share the joy.

Practicing Self-Care

This February 14^th, take a trip to your local card shop to buy a hearts-and-flowers missive for the most important person in your life: you!

All too often, we overlook our own needs in our focus to take care of others. We operate on the principle that self-sacrifice is noble but what it can be is spirit-depleting. And the result is that we are disappointed, unhappy or angry.

While it’s admirable to want to cherish and protect those we care about, we need to make time for ourselves as well. However, this doesn’t mean going on vacations or buying expensive trinkets. It means figuring out what we need most in our life to feel fulfilled, energized and content, and then making time for those activities that generate those positive emotions.

We benefit because when we work from a state of inner health, our physical health improves as well. Those around us benefit because, well, let’s face it, when we are in a better state of mind, we are a lot nicer to be around. It’s like the old saying, “When Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”

Do you know what makes you feel good about yourself, what activities create a sense of well-being and contentment? Take this quick quiz to discover what you need.

• I feel most at peace when I _________________
  (What pursuits or endeavors calm you down, quiet your soul and renew your spirit?)
  
  
• I feel most fulfilled when I _________________
  (What makes you feel that you are living to your fullest potential, that you are using your gifts and abilities the way you should?)
  
  
• I feel most alive when I ____________________(What revs up your spiritual cardiovascular system, gets your emotional heart pumping and makes your senses shoot off sparks?)

Now that you know what works for you, make time each week to incorporate some of these activities in your schedule!

(Check back each week when I will post inspiring quotations to keep our spirits motivated and energized!)