Focus on the GOOD...

So as y'all know, one of my resolutions this year was to read a book a month. So far, I am way ahead of the curve. And yes, I'm giving myself kudos because usually I'm scrambling to play catch up. Truth, LOL. 

So for January, I read the book "The Obstacle is the Way," by Ryan Holiday. Talk about an AH-MAZ-ING book. It truly helped me see how to view things in a much different way, including the negative things that happen(ed) in my life. Instead of focusing on them as problems or obstacles that I can't get past, it taught me to look at them as a catapult into something much bigger and better than expected. Talk about a totally different way to view the world and the problems that are inevitable!

Well...I finished that book early...so early, in fact, I didn't even bring it with me to Japan (WHAT?!). Instead, I brought my February book, "The Happiness Advantage," by Shawn Achor. And let's just say it is the perfect follow-on to my January book. A beautiful friend gave me this book awhile back and I'm just now getting around to reading it. But I think it is definitely at the perfect point in my life. 

In our society, we are trained that happiness comes only AFTER certain things happen. For instance, I will be happy when... FILL IN THE BLANK. I get a new job, I'm in a new relationship, it's the new year, I am successful, I make X amount of money. Etc, etc, etc. 

But think about that for a minute. If you continue to think this way, then you are perpetually UNHAPPY, because you are always waiting for the next thing to happen in your life. It's a craptastic cycle that just keeps you in the same place, over and over again.

Instead, in the Happiness Advantage, it talks about how much more successful you can be when you are happy FIRST! 

What the... How could that possibly be?!

Well, for starters, happy people are more open minded and relaxed, thus allowing them to see the endless possibilities out there. Whether that is in their business, their relationships, their lives, etc. When you focus on the good things, the positive things in life, you automatically continue to see the good things in life. Conversely, when you focus only on the bad things in life (think of those "Woe is me" people in your life), then, you guessed it, you automatically continue to see the bad things in life. 

One of the ways you can train your mind to see the good and positive things in life is to start a gratitude journal. Or if that seems too much, just a gratitude list. We used to do this when we sat down to dinner, but it's been awhile since I've had a family dinner. So...I'm going to go back to writing a list. Because let's be real...there are SO MANY good things to focus on!! 

I don't know about you, but I don't want to focus only on the negative things. Yes, bad things are going to happen, but that doesn't have to be my main focus. I want to focus on all the POSITIVE things I have going on. 

What about you? Do you want to join me on this gratitude journey? I'd love to start a gratitude train of people, spreading much needed love and happiness everywhere! 

Comment below with 3 things you are grateful for today! I'd love to hear them! 

Have a beautiful week! 

With love and wellness,
​Whitney