Thought For Today - January

[bluidkiti]

New Year

The dawn of a new year is a time of new possibilities. Let go of the past, reach into the future and give birth to new possibilities.

[bluidkiti]

Preferences, Not Expectations

We all have expectations on how we want things to happen. When things don’t happen the way you want them to, instead of getting frustrated and disappointed, tell yourself: “I would have preferred “A”, but now that “B” has happened, it’s OK! Have preferences, not expectations. “I’d prefer if people were thoughtful, but when they’re rude, it’s not going to ruin my day.” “I’d prefer sunshine but rain is OK!” Play this game in your head, and you’ll feel more peaceful.

[bluidkiti]

Thought Diet

Why not make your mind healthier and go on a thought diet! Cut down on all those unhealthy negative and wasteful thoughts that offer no nutritional value. Start feeding your mind with positive healthy thoughts. Here’s our suggestion for a balanced diet for the mind: For vitamins have creative ideas. For proteins, think powerful thoughts about yourself. For carbohydrates, have good feelings for others.

[bluidkiti]

Winter Will Pass

We tolerate and handle the winter because we know that winter will surely pass. The same applies to life. Tough times will come. Stuff happens. Understand: All things will pass. Think: I can handle and get through whatever I am going through.

[bluidkiti]

Bring Your Dreams Alive

We all have dreams. Some are short-term, some long-term. Some dreams we nourish right through our lives, some keep evolving and changing. Some dreams are achieved, some are not. Some of us possess the ability to bring our dreams alive better than others.

This week, take a little time to choose one dream you want to bring alive. Then: 1) Clearly define your dream. 2) Recognize what’s stopping you and how to overcome this. 3) Plot and plan your first few action steps.

Now you just need to believe in your dream, and have the courage to bring your dream alive.

[bluidkiti]

Speed Up, Slow Down

From the moment you wake up…. all the way to bedtime, what’s your speed in life? Fast, fast, fast?

If you have the tendency to go at a fast speed all day long and enjoy it, try this: everyday do some things at a slow speed. It could be drinking morning tea or coffee, or walking up the stairs.

Go slow and discover the virtue of slowness. Then enjoy the slowing down as well as the speeding up.

[bluidkiti]

Emotional Bank Balance

Just as we make deposits and withdrawals from our bank account, in the same way, we also make deposits and withdrawals from our emotional bank account.

Make it a habit to regularly a) check your emotional bank balance, and b) deposit positive emotions. Why? Every time we have negative emotions, we're withdrawing from our emotional bank account.

Deposit positive emotions whenever you can. That way, you can maintain a healthy balance and also comfortably handle the occasional (or frequent) emotional withdrawal.

[bluidkiti]

Don’t Blame, Be Happy

When there are train delays and cancellations…. when someone’s not doing something they said they would…. it’s all too easy to find yourself playing the blame game.

Play the blame game and you hand over your happiness, into the hands of someone or something. If you want to keep your happiness in your own hands, then choose not to play the blame game. Choose to be happy, no matter what.

Be happy and you can then start to figure out what to do about someone or something.

[bluidkiti]

How Many Homes?

How many homes do you have? Four. Really? You may have more but you definitely have four homes.

The first home is your mind, where you create your thoughts and feelings. The second is the body. The third is where you live. The fourth is the one home we all share, Earth.

You are responsible for the well-being of all your homes. So, give all your homes the necessary time, attention and care. Use them with dignity and with a positive purpose. And feel at home in all your homes.

[bluidkiti]

Keep that Holiday Feeling

When we’re back from our holidays there’s a spring in our step, a sparkle in our eyes… We come back feeling relaxed and refreshed. But how long does the holiday feeling last? What can you do to keep that holiday feeling? It’s all too easy to get sucked back into the daily grind. So what will you do to recall that holiday feeling when you slip back into old habits and feelings?

[bluidkiti]

Determined Thoughts

Before starting any task, first of all, sow the seed of a determined thought. Especially if you have self-doubts or feel that the task is too difficult for you, think: ‘I can do it.’ ‘I am capable.’ ‘Anything is possible if I put my mind to it.’ Determination is the key for success. So, use that determined thought to propel you forward.

[bluidkiti]

The Comfy Comfort Zone

Comfort zones are like a soft, comfy armchair or sofa. They're really comfortable but don't offer you any real support in your personal development.

This week, challenge yourself to try something different. It can be exercise, eating healthy, waking early.... Try something that supports your personal development and unlock the power and energy that comes from getting out of your really comfy comfort zone.

[bluidkiti]

Your Inner Weather

What’s today's weather forecast for your inner world?

Can you predict if it's going to be bright and sunny? Cloudy and overcast with gloomy thoughts? Stormy moods with heavy rain, thunder and lightening? Hot headed or frosty behavior? You can’t change the weather forecast but you can influence your own inner weather. How? Slow the wind speed of your thoughts, lower the pressure in your moods, and calm your reactions.

Simply check your inner weather forecast. If it isn’t how you want it to be, then take a moment and create the weather you want.

[bluidkiti]

Is Time your Friend or your Enemy?

What’s your relationship with time? Many of us have a tense relationship with time. We may think there's not enough time, it's not on our side, it's working against us.... We think time is our enemy.

How about creating a better relationship with time? Feel the abundance of time and time will work for you. Respect time and time will respect you. Make the most of your time and time will be your friend.

Is time your friend or your enemy?

[bluidkiti]

Consider Being Considerate

Everyone likes to feel considered. But being considerate extends far beyond communication. It's about being considerate towards others in all our small everyday actions. It can be something as simple as putting things away, tidying up behind you, leaving space for someone else to park their car.

Today, look for the opportunity to be considerate towards others and yourself, and recognize the consideration you receive.

[bluidkiti]

It’s All Good

Whatever happens in your life…. are you ready to take on the perspective, “it’s all good”?

“It’s all good” doesn’t mean that it is all good. It’s not wishful thinking or sweeping things under the carpet. Perceive what’s happening as “it’s all good”, and you make it easier for yourself to think positively and handle things better.

Ready to take on “it’s all good”?

[bluidkiti]

Conversation Battles

When someone brings their opinions to a conversation, armed and ready for battle, it’s easy to react or get defensive. How about taking a moment to: 1) Think through how you can disarm the other person and voice your opinions tactfully. 2) Decide if you want to continue with the conversation, redirect it or resume it a later time. Remember, you don’t have to engage in the conversation. You can always make a graceful exit from the conversation!

[bluidkiti]

Good Perfectionism?

Perfectionism can be a good thing but too much of perfectionism is not. So when your perfectionism shows up, use it in a good way. Put in a good effort without fussing or tweaking things too much. Relax your high standards without becoming slack. And do your best without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself and others.

[bluidkiti]

Less is More

Less is more.

Less stuff means more space. Less thoughts, more thoughtful. Less talk, more meaning. Less complaints, more gratitude.

What are you going to do less of today?

[bluidkiti]

Memories into Memoir

Ever thought about capturing some of your memories and life experiences in a memoir? Not your entire collection of memories or life experience, just one or a few. Write and turn a memory into a memoir.

It doesn’t have to be published or available for anyone else to read. It can be just for you. Be honest, audacious even, and you might just gain a fresh perspective, enriched self awareness, as well as, added wisdom. And if you were to share your memoir with others, they might just benefit from your life experiences.

[bluidkiti]

Saying Thank You

Notice how “thank you” pops out of our mouths so easily. As kids we learn to say thank you and recognize that to do so is good manners. But if we’re not careful it becomes habitual, robotic.

Be more mindful of why you say “thank you.” What are you sincerely thankful for? Maybe be more verbally specific about what you are thankful for.

Even though they’re only two small words, their impact is boundless if said with sincerity.

[bluidkiti]

Tasks You Don't Want To Do

Often we have to do tasks we don’t really want to do. So the question is what to do? Use our willpower to force our way through them? Find someone else to do them?

Next time you have to do a task you don’t want to do - try one of the following:
- Inject some enjoyment in the task and you’ll enjoy the process.
- Make your attitude positive and you’ll approach the task creatively.
- Do the task in a location you like and you’ll generate interest.
- Plan a treat for when you are done and you’ll complete the task.

[bluidkiti]

Tangled Up

There are times when we become entangled in negative thoughts. Get all tangled up and you create confusion and agitation.

Here are two simple ways to untangle yourself:
1. Use the same method of becoming entangled in a different way. Get entangled in happy, positive thoughts.
2. Remind yourself that you are not your thoughts. Become separate from your thoughts and you create space and freedom.

[bluidkiti]

The 3 R’s of Relationships

Here are the 3 R’s to make the relationships that matter most, easier: Roles, Rules, and Rituals. Roles clarify what is expected of you. Otherwise there’s frustration and confusion when roles are unclear. Know your specific role in each relationship and play your part well. Rules are boundaries that outline what your limits are and where you stand. For healthy relationships, it’s good to discuss and review your rules regularly, and know when to compromise. Rituals are simple things that build meaningful connections, such as making eye contact as you say ‘good morning’ and ‘goodbye’. Make up and keep up with rituals that work for you.

[bluidkiti]

Blind Spots

All of us have blind spots – attitudes and behaviors that hinder our potential. So make it a habit to check for your blind spots. Sometimes these blind spots are more visible to others. So if you can’t spot them, you could ask someone you trust to give you honest feedback. Uncover your blind spots and transform them into your personal strengths!

[bluidkiti]

Miss-takes to Better Takes

We’ve all had those moments where we’ve said or done things that we’re not proud of, things that we know we could have done better.

Instead of feeling bad, see those moments as ‘miss-takes.’ Do what you have to do to fix the mistake. Then think about how to say or do things better when you get to do another ‘take.’

Go from ‘miss-takes’ to understanding how to take better ‘takes’ next time. And you'll make the best of your worst moments.

[bluidkiti]

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

Not only is a good night’s sleep the key to health and beauty, but it also enhances our ability to stay alert, focused and make better decisions.

Here are a few tips for better sleep:
- Don't go to bed on a full stomach
- Have a screen break before bed
- Establish a bedtime routine to wind down
- Turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary
- Take a warm shower to soothe your muscles
- Meditate to clear your mind

[bluidkiti]

Don't Make it Personal

When we give critical feedback to someone, we’re usually referring to their actions. Yet so often we make it about their personality.

If you want to preserve the relationship, don't make it personal. Separate the personality and the actions from the person - and cultivate a positive attitude towards them.

Then when you give feedback, you'll empower yourself to communicate respectfully and constructively. Hopefully, as a result, the other person will feel that you're not getting personal but saying it for their benefit.

[bluidkiti]

I wish I....

Ever catch yourself thinking "I wish I was a little bit...." "I wish I had...."? If your wishful thinking leads to positive change, then great! But if your wishful thinking leads to nowhere, then it's time to take action and make your wishes come true.

[bluidkiti]

Pull Yourself Out of a Mood

Sometimes we wake up in a bad mood, or our mood crashes for a reason or even no reason. Now, as a lot in life depends on our mood, remember, we don't have to put up with our bad mood.

To pull yourself out of a mood, remind yourself: I am not my mood. Moods come and go. They do not represent the state of your life, they just pretend to. So, do something, anything that feels good to shift and lift your mood.

Once you pull yourself out of that mood, try to understand what really put you in that mood.

[bluidkiti]

Listen to your Conscience

The voice of our conscience is not to induce fear or guilt, but for positive guidance. Our conscience is our moral compass that guides us to shift in a positive direction when we’ve done something wrong. Why not take your conscience to the cleaners regularly. Examine if there’s anything on your conscience. Listen to your conscience. Let your conscience prod you to clean up your act and become a better you.