3 Simple strategies for Positive Thinking

We've all heard the saying "you are what you eat". Have you ever considered that you are what you think? Or that you become what you think about the most; whether it's positive or negative?

EXPECT ONLY POSITIVE OUTCOMES
My grandmother's voice in my head always reminds me to "hope for the best and plan for the worst". As a firm believer in all things positive, it's imperative that we think happy thoughts and expect positive outcomes regularly. That doesn't block negative situations from occurring- but a positive and optimistic thought process can diminish the sting felt when things don't go as planned.

CHOOSE POSITIVITY
How do you do that? First, you have to choose positivity above all else. If being a "Debbie Downer" is common practice for you, it helps to choose a more positive approach to your comments and responses. If that is something that you know will take time, practice silence to  harness, organize, and be in control of your thoughts.

DEFINE THE OPPOSITE AND RECOGNIZE IT
Define what constitutes negativity in your life and practice avoiding it at all costs and at all levels. At work, be mindful of "water cooler chatter". The latest local news could quickly evolve into "did you hear about so and so....". Being able to separate yourself from that which you are trying to avoid is the first sign of a positive change.

On my journey to full-time positivity I've made it a personal practice to immediately replace a negative thought with a positive one. It feels crazy, stupid, and even make believe at first. But the more I made a conscious effort to be positive, it turned into a habit and then a lifestyle change for the better. The only thing I had to lose was negative thoughts and actions that were not in alignment with the person I knew I was supposed to be.


Be a part of the solution and remember that I care!

Chowan Moore Aforo, BSW
Better Brighter Blessed

Being Present

There is an undeniable beauty in being present, living in the moment , and embracing the here and now. If you're not careful and conscious of the Now, you will miss opportunities that don't come along twice.

As a child, when the teacher took attendance in class, most children would say "HERE!" as loud as they could. I always said "present". I felt like I had to make a statement and stand apart  from everyone else without seeming as if I was trying too hard.

Now that I recall that moment in history, it makes me realize how significant it is to be present. Being present for me means not dwelling in the past. Many things I want to forget and can't change about my life  only hurt me by discussing them from a place of victimization and pity. Instead, I discovered a way to own my past and mold a brighter future.

Every day I try to live a life that is different from the day before. Sometimes I take a different route to get to a familiar place. I make it a habit to only bring up my past if there's a Eureka moment or if I get so emotional after realizing that something hurtful happened only to make me the strong person I am today. When I can clearly see that I had been looking at a situation all wrong, I discuss it out loud, thank God for my deliverance and understanding, and then I release it-never to be bound by hurt or guilt again.

Being present is liberating and it helps me to come full circle with things I've been haunted by for many years. Being present is a choice that leads to inner happiness.

My past empowers me to inspire my future and to make it Great! My present lets me know that I have overcome so much and it feels good because the bitterness is absent.

I encourage everyone to take time to see the forest for the trees because without the trees....it wouldn't be a forest! Be present in your own lives and enjoy what you've been missing. Whether it's seeing how awesome your children really are  or appreciating how close you live to the Oceanfront, take time to be present and create a stress free oasis to call your own-it starts with a happy thought!


Be a part of the solution and remember that I care!



Chowan Moore Aforo, BSW
Better Brighter Blessed