Many of us are in current circumstances that are uncomfortable or just downright aweful. With our country's current economic situation, we are reevaluating not only how we spend our money, but how we spend our time (aka OUR LIVES!). We're also thinking about our values. What's important to us? What have we been taking for granted? What will we do differently this time?
What better time to clarify what we want to be, do and have in life than now! It's time to embrace the present tense and to allow gradual change. If we want true positive change in our lives, we're going to have to ditch the temporary bandaid cover-ups of the past and be OK with where we are right now. Drastic and sudden change is possible, but not probable. It's time to stop the complaining and blaming, to move in the direction of where we want to be and to sow the seeds of our destinies!
It's really quite simple. So simple that it has become part of my daily routine. Each morning before I start my day, I spend an hour consciously journaling and visualzing through the following processes (and the rest of my day aware of their power):
1. Gratitude...Appreciate where you are right now! What's going right in your life? Write down at least 5 things that you're grateful for in a gratitude journal. Start today! Also, as your going through your day, find things to appreciate. Appreciate the color of paint on the wall, the falling rain outside your window, or the food on your plate. The more you notice all the good things around you, the more good things you will see.
2. Forgiveness....Forgive yourself and others for mistakes and shortcomings. This reminds me of a quote by MLK Jr. "Forgiveness isn't a one time thing. It is a permanent attitude." And the #1 person we need to forgive is ourselves! Until you can forgive and love yourself, it is impossible to fully forgive and love others. I choose to write at least one page in my journal forgiving and loving myself and the people I in my life. I write "I love and forgive _________ wholly and completely." Sometimes I will mention certain events or words involving that person too.
3. A New Story...Tell a new and improved story of life. Have you heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy? Or perhaps the "law of attraction?" We are nothing more than a product of the story we tell ourselves all day long! We draw to us experiences and people through the stories we tell (to ourselves and others!). If there's something you're not crazy about going on in your life, change your story.
I journal my new and improved story every day, describing in detail the amount of money I want to make and the people and events I want to attract. I am amazed at what I've already created in my life just from telling a new story. Change your story and then take action when you feel inspired. What do you want to create in your life? And don't just tell it, see it. VISUALIZE yourself living the kind of life you want to live.
4. Positives, not negatives...Look for what you like. Find the good in every situation. I got this process from Esther and Jerry Hicks, two of my favorite spiritual teachers. They suggest writing at the top of a journal page or piece of paper "List of positive aspects of_______" and then creating longs lists of good things about whatever person or situation you find yourself unhappy in. They even suggest writing the positive aspects of things in your life that you're happy about. Focusing on the good is only going to bring more good into your life. I don't journal positive aspects every day, but definitely do it when I'm feeling especially disappointed or confused about something. And sometimes I write positive aspects of good things in my life.
Be easy on yourself through these processes. You might find that you have some attitudes and beliefs to let go of that you didn't even know you had. Remember that true, permanent change is gradual. Allow the changes you desire to unfold and remember to feel good through it all. You will have setbacks. You will have days that don't feel as good. Just keep loving yourself through all of it, because in the end you're going to be amazed at how wonderful your life is!
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