Let’s just imagine for a moment……
You wake up one morning and as you start the day you automatically look for the good things in life; the shower working and even better hot water, having enough time to leisurely eat breakfast, your favourite song playing on the radio or simply enjoying the morning banter with those people around you.
Now, what if you wake the same morning but this time you immediately start to think about the pile of work that is waiting for you, the difficult conversation that you’ve been avoiding, you can’t help but notice the washing that hasn’t been done, and the fact that it’s sunny outside only confirms how you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.
At any point of our day, at any hour, any minute, any second we can choose how we view our immediate world. Our conscious mind accommodates between 5 and 7 different thoughts at any one time allowing us to have seemingly random thoughts and inner conversations, whilst accessing our unconscious mind which processes 70,000 pieces of information at any given minute. This intricate communication network is steered by us, information and supporting evidence determined by our positive or negative mental attitude. For instance, have you noticed that when you wake up feeling positive how the rest of your day just gets better? It’s no surprise when you realise that as captain of your mental ship if you choose a sunny outlook you’ll unconsciously look for clues and evidence to confirm and reaffirm this correct positive mental direction.
It’s funny to think that we can actually choose to have sunshine on toast when we wake up instead of crunching our way through cereal of despair.
However, if it is a choice, then what stops us from choosing the positive outcome? There are obvious reasons and excuses that all of us use and then there is the truth. Separating fact from fiction is the first step into making an informed choice. Take a moment to think about the arguments for not choosing a sunny day and be amazed at how little really stops you other than yourself.
Fiction
(What are you making up or what are the old stories you tell yourself?)
For instance, I have to get my brain thinking about the difficult stuff to prepare myself for the day ahead.
Fact
(What is the truth and what is truer still?)
For instance, I get myself so worked up that often the reality of the situation is never as bad as I’d first imagined.
Having sifted through this mental mess you next need a strategy in place to help start the day positively. Your personal solution may be to put a post-it note on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to smile or find a photograph of a sunny day experience; the choice is yours.
Strategy
(How can you remind yourself to think more positively?)
For instance, every time I start to think negative thoughts I will sing in my head (or out loud) Stop! In the name of love.
Some people say it takes 28 days to make a new habit, but let’s just start with one day and see what a difference it can really make to you. Why not choose sunshine on toast for breakfast and just enjoy the warmth and glow that a positive outlook can have on the rest of your day.