Positivity
It was February 14th, 2002 when I had my aha moment. I was on the beach in Thailand, Koh Phangan, alone, and in this beautiful moment sitting on the sand with my feet in the warm water I knew that I could live with just the clothes on my back and be happy.
That was the beginning of really knowing who I was. I was away from home at 25 for the first time in my life. I had just spent my first Christmas away from family and was learning just how brave I was. I met people who impacted me to the core and I came home from my year away a different person. A happier person. I vowed to always follow my heart and fill my days with the people and things that filled me up.
From that point forward I made it a habit to read about personal development. I really listened and honoured who I was as a person. Having a positive mindset became a way of living for me.
Especially now as a mother of two young girls, I realize the importance of staying positive and I want to share some of the things that keep me on track and help me keep my positive attitude.
Positive Self talk. Positive affirmations are an enormous part of my life. I would actually say that if you only do one thing on this list, this is it. It can make a huge impact on your life. Say things like...I am patient, I am healthy, I am happy, I am beautiful. Even if you don’t believe them to be true, with consistency you’ll start to!! Be kind to yourself.
Self-love. Take time often for just you. Get a monthly massage, a pedicure every new season, or grab a book and find a new coffee shop and snuggle up to read for an hour. Whatever speaks to you, do. Your soul needs it.
Surround yourself with positive people. Stop spending time with people who drain you and start spending time with people who make you feel amazing. People who support your desires and dreams and who you’d do the same for.
Make goals. Write down the things that you want to attract. When you’re clear on what you want, the universe knows what to give you. (And believe they’ll come true!)
Visualize what it is you want. Take time to picture it in your mind. When you can see something clearly in your mind, you can attract it into your life simply by giving it energy.
Reflect on how far you’ve come. Draw a picture of yourself and around it write all of your accomplishments. Sometimes we get lost in what’s not happening that we forget to see just how incredible we really are and how far we’ve really come.
Give gratitude. Make giving gratitude a part of your every day. I have a gratitude ritual that I do every morning where I listen to spa music, light incense, read my positive affirmation board, and say three things that I am grateful for. Sometimes I even give gratitude for things not yet in my life, as if they already were. (Shhh! That’s a secret tool!)
Sleep. Get as much as you can, especially if you’re a parent. And if you can’t get enough, then the next two steps are crucial!
Eat Healthy. So important if you’re not getting any sleep. Many of us parents have disturbed sleep or earlier mornings that we’d choose. If I don’t get sleep, then I know eating healthy will save me. I stay away from white sugar and white flour and limit my carbs otherwise I start to crave and spiral in a not so nice direction.
Exercise - Healthy body equals a healthy brain equals a healthy attitude towards life! We need to celebrate every day that we can move our bodies. Plus you feel better in your clothes! And that equals confidence!
Feng Shui - This is something I’ve been doing for over a decade. It’s about the placement of things in our homes and how it affects all areas of our life. I revisit different areas of my home when I want to bring fresh energy and opportunity to my life.
Nature - Go for walks in nature! I have to do this. Just a walk around the pond in my neighbourhood is enough to help me breathe. If hiking isn’t your thing, then bring the outdoors in with plants. Both are better for breathing and for your mental space.
Meditate - I do this every single night at bedtime. I lye on my bed and listen to a guided meditation that allows me to relax and focus on something positive. I fall asleep to it, but I know that even when I’m sleeping my subconscious is listening.
Read. Find a book that resonates with you about positive thinking. When we change the way we think about something, it can change the outcome. Our thoughts shape our reality and having a positive mindset can make a world of difference. (Sound familiar? Pulled from last weeks post on how to handle life a little easier!)
I hope I’ve given you at least one useful tool that will work with your lifestyle. By implementing even one of these ideas regularly, you truly can add more positivity to your life and help create the life you desire and deserve.
Wishing you more peace, balance, happiness, vibrant health and lasting love.
Sandy xo
“What we think, we become.” - Buddha