Get Rid of Those Pesky Negative Thoughts!

I don’t know what to blog about today.

Who am I to think I can start my own business?

Where do I go from here?

What was I thinking?

I can’t do this.

They’re all going to laugh at me.

Some days I’m not sure where to start…or what to do…or how to do it. And some days, the above thoughts are all that go through my mind. These are the days I struggle with the most. Because I know that I *can* do anything I want (it may not be easy, but I can [almost] always do it!). And because I know that I may not have all the answers, but even a baby step forward is enough to keep me moving in the direction I want to go.

One thing that makes me laugh is that I constantly receive compliments on how I have it all together…I wish I could say unequivocally that I do have it all together. But I struggle, just as everyone else does. I am a work in progress, and it becomes easier every day to focus on the positives and banish my negative thoughts!! 

Why Negative Thoughts Have to Go

Do you struggle with negative thinking too? Do you have those burning, negative thoughts racing through your mind? It’s time for you (and me!) to get rid of those pesky things!! Because all they are doing is hindering you from having an absolutely amazingly, beautiful life!!

Let’s think about it…when we hold onto negative thoughts, all we’re doing is bringing ourselves into that dark, negative place. Then we start to see the world from that point of view and EVERYTHING becomes negative. We then start to draw MORE negative things to us!! And what kind of fun is that?? Because this world should be anything but negative!!

Besides, who wants to be a Negative Nancy about everything? Have you ever been around someone like that? They bring everyone around them down with their negativity! Let’s be a Positive Patsy instead!! Let’s turn our own frown upside down so we can help others do the same!!

Turn that Frown Upside Down

Sometimes it really is as simple as that…turn that frown upside down into a smile. Just that small act, whether it’s by yourself or to someone you’re passing by on the street, it can make all the difference in the world. When we are stressed or holding onto negative energy, we tend to hold onto that in our face, believe it or not. Feel that change when you flash your pearly whites to someone…your face releases the tension and lightens up how you feel (try it now, you’ll see!!).

One thing I’ve noticed is when I’m feeling down (for whatever reason), I like to look at funny videos (hello, YouTube!) or read funny texts from friends (yes, I save some of them!). An out-loud, from the belly, full-on laugh always makes me feel better and almost immediately changes my perspective. And sometimes that’s exactly what I need to start focusing on the positives in my life (instead of those pesky negative ones that tend to pop up at the worst possible time!).

Practice Makes Perfekt

I know you’ve heard it before (from me and everywhere else in this world!), but positive self-talk is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself! I am a firm believer that how we talk to ourselves is how we view ourselves and the world and is ultimately what will happen in our lives. So when we start heading down that negative path, look around you…list out all the beautiful, amazing things and people and circumstances in your life. Change those negative thoughts into positive ones with a simple list, like the one below.

1.     I woke up this morning (Hello!! Blessing number one!!).

2.     I have a roof over my head and a comfy bed to sleep in.

3.     I have delicious food on my table and in my belly!

4.     I have an awesome mom that I also get to call my best friend.

5.     I have supportive friends who, even if they think I have a crazy idea, always support and love me!

I could go on and on and on about all the blessings and positives in my life. Even just typing that, I could feel my mood being lifted (even though I’m already in a pretty good mood). I promise, the more you do it, the easier it will get and the more automatic it will become. You’ll start thinking something negative – for instance, that you don’t know what to do (in any given situation); change that thought to “I can do this. I’ve done this in X situation before.” Or “I can do the research and educate myself on how to do it.” And before you know it, you’ve banished those pesky negative thoughts and have started to view the world through rose-colored glasses (yes, I went there, LOL).

I’m not saying we won’t have down days, or that it’s not okay to have down days. But you don’t want to park there and stay for an indefinite amount of time. Allow yourself to feel your feelings, journal about them or talk to someone to help you get through them, and then re-focus on the positive aspects of your life. And if you need help with that re-focusing, talk to a friend or family member or yes, even a health coach!! Sometimes it’s hardest to see our own blessings and having someone else point them out is a great place to start learning how to shift your focus.

I’d love to help you focus on your positive attributes and aspects of your life! Schedule a free health consultation with me…let’s see how I can help you get rid of those negative thoughts!! Because you are amazing and have so many blessings in your life!!

With love and wellness (and lots of positive self-talk along the way),
Whitney

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