Especially first thing in the morning, and last before going to sleep.
It’s easy to wake up with negative thoughts, no? And for sure if you’re not an “Oh, what a beautiful morning!” type of person. Because you probably woke up grumbling to begin with.
Ah, to stay in that wonderful bed would be so nice . . .
I know people who wake up singing. I’m just not one of them. Get me some coffee and all that changes, but right off the bat . . . well.
And if I don’t get a handle on the negative to begin, things can sure spiral downward in a hurry.
So the first thing I do (after letting out dogs!) to avoid negative thinking is to consciously set my mind right. Sounds easy, no? And often it is.
Sometimes it takes a bit more work. So right off the bat, my focus becomes about gratitude.
Thank you for another day.
Thank you that the sun is shining. Or rain is falling.
Thank you for . . .
Things always exist to be grateful for. Count five of them (even if through gritted teeth) as you do your morning routine, and even before that first cup of coffee you’ll find a smile.
Setting the mind in the right direction to begin the day pays enormous dividends. You can then pat yourself on the back for caring for you as well.
And as the day progresses, that gratitude list will arise when you most need a boost.
Then right before retiring, give yourself a big pat on the back. Count the blessings of the day. And most importantly, thank yourself for the things you did well. Yep, some mistakes were bound to occur. Wish I woulda done it this way. Wish I hadn’t of said that. Wish . . .
But now is not the time for that. You probably beat yourself up when it happened anyway!
Now is the time to acknowledge the goodness in you, your strengths, the kindness that you showed, the task that you did well.
Because a funny thing about the subconscious mind—it hears that. And right before bed, when you’re going into dreamland, you want to give that subconscious positive images to dwell upon through the night.
It’s working overtime then—when you’re conscious mind is at rest.
And you’ve just given it positive food to build on, like some sort of osmoses in your sleep.
We know the secret of happiness, no?
To live in love rather than fear. And a big way to do that is through gratitude. Gratitude for your creator (whatever you believe that to be), for another day to be alive, and as importantly, for the you and the life you are creating.
You are important to this world. Remember and honor that, and there is no limit to what you can achieve, and the happiness you can find.
We need your gifts. And in order to give them effectively, we need you to be the best you that you can be.
Even Groucho Marx used this prescription! And he certainly made a gazillion people happy:
“Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” The Essential Groucho: Writings For By And About Groucho Marx
How do you reward yourself?
Colleen M. Story
10 Nov 2015Great post, Susan! Love the Groucho Marx quote. :O) Like you, I’m not a morning person, so this is a good reminder.
Susan Malone
11 Nov 2015I mean, if Groucho can do it, so can we, Colleen! LOL. After coffee 🙂
Beverley Golden
10 Nov 2015We are certainly on the same wave length in how we approach life, Susan. Conscious intention is so very important and setting our mindset, really does make a big difference in how our day unfolds. Love the Groucho Marx quote, a wonderful way to highlight the importance for us all, regardless of who we are, to be present and choose “happy”.
Susan Malone
11 Nov 2015I do believe we are, Beverley! And as long as I set my conscious intention first thing, my day goes oh-so-much better. Don’t you love words of wisdom from Groucho 🙂
GiGi Eats
10 Nov 2015I am always patting myself on the back, for everything little thing! 🙂
Susan Malone
11 Nov 2015And the positive effects show in who you are, Gigi! I just love your blog 🙂
Julie Syl Kalungi
11 Nov 2015Actually I am one of those People…Its morning and iam alive an dlets go get it person..It rare that I allow myself the luxury to riminate on the shoulda woulda coulda stuff…everyday is a blessed present isnt it! Thats what its called The Present…My grandma kept saying bless her soul and now my mentors keep reminding me of that!
So yes I wake up with a bang and Immadiately get to calming my self down lol Meditation and Prayer before anything else. Nothing sets my day off better than this… Yes It was a strict lesson in Focus to getmyself doing this naturally now…Great share Susan.
Susan Malone
11 Nov 2015I love that, Julie! I have a dear friend and retired Unity minister who always gets up saying, “I’m alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic!” So much so that her African Gray Parrot picked it up, and chimes in each morning.
But I love that the practice of Focus was what got you there.
Saidah Washington
11 Nov 2015Thanks for the encouragement. It’s easy to start feeling down about yourself when you don’t find good to focus on.
Susan Malone
12 Nov 2015Isn’t that the truth, Saidah. But by practicing the antidote, we climb back out of the negative places.
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com
11 Nov 2015Yes, yes YES! I love this post and all your good reminders. And that quote by Groucho (who sounds like he was anything BUT a grouch!) is wonderful. I so believe that each and every day we can choose to be happy, loving and life life to its fullest! And gratitude and love really are the keys! ~Kathy
Susan Malone
12 Nov 2015It is a choice, isn’t it, Kathy! And you’re so right about gratitude and love–they save us 🙂
Sheila Bliss
12 Nov 2015Hi Susan! That’s fantastic advice. At some point during the day I will create my gratitude list but reminding myself of the good things I did during the day kinda slips my mind at night. I’m my own worst enemy at times so reminding myself of the positive energy I contributed I’ll focus instead on the negative. Definitely something to improve upon! There’s something powerful about seeing that tidbit of advice in the written word. Thanks for sharing that meaningful advice. Take Care, Susan!
Susan Malone
12 Nov 2015I think especially as women, Sheila, we have no problem giving credit to others. But giving it to ourselves is a different beast entirely. Honor you!
Sheila Bliss
12 Nov 2015I agree, Susan. Why is it so hard for us as women to nurture ourselves? We do it for our families and friends yet hold back against ourselves.
Susan Malone
12 Nov 2015It’s such an odd thing, Sheila, but true. I think it’s both our nature, but our nurture too. So many of us were raised that way . . . But there’s always hope for progress!
Sheila Bliss
12 Nov 2015Amen!