We are nearing the end of Chapter 4 and I am anxious to begin the 2nd half of Power Thoughts. The next portion details 12 Power Thoughts that will lead to positive, powerful thinking. I have already felt a shift in my thought process, whether it is because I am holding myself accountable by way of this blog, or because I am just now aware of HOW my mind and tendencies can work against me, or because the sun has decided to show itself, or because it is my birthday season.....Things are happening, though! I can feel it in my bones and I know that it is nothing that we are doing, but because we put our faith in God and are learning over and over again that we MUST trust that he is only working for the good in all of our lives.
So to begin.....
What are the most obvious ways your thoughts affect your mood? People/Situations I am negative about?
Obvious, I have a difficult time dealing with change. Even now, as we have closed a chapter of our lives in ending daycare, Pete's job change, and the decision to quit while we are ahead of the baby making game. All positive changes, but I am still leary and guarded. I will not allow myself the excitement that I had as a child when we would arrive in the parking lot of Disneyland. I know too much about salespeople and fear that Pete will become one of them. The Salesman did not get his reputation by mistake. I have worked in media sales and I know what it requires. It is the unknown and I have let it drown out my joy. Perhaps I should have never watched Mad Men. What are the chances that Pete will become Donald Draper? Slim, but I am always on guard. I need to enjoy this time and be supportive of this career change. It will take me a while to adjust, as per usual, having an "adjustment disorder"!!!
My personal definition of a Great Life?
When I am 80.....I will look back on this life while rocking on a porch swing with an old man Pete Stauffer looking out onto the Pacific Ocean from our condo balcony in Morro Bay reflecting on the gorgeous lives we have raised in our two girls. They will have grown into emotionally, spiritually, physically strong and confident women. They will be our life and our legacy. Our love will have been the glue that has held us all together, our faith; the light that envelops us.
Specific situations that I will apply principles of preparedness (in setting my mind)
I am a sponge. I absorb the emotional state of those that I am near. This has been the truth of my life from the very beginning. It is my special "talent", like a Twilight vampire, this is my "gift". As I have grown and learned more about myself and where I am most content, it is so clear why I am at peace when I am alone (or any form of alone that I can find in this circus that is my home!) It is possible that I lack the ability to create boundries. I will be prepared by knowing this and will work diligently to separate my emotional well-being from those that I am around, regardless of their situation. I am not kidding when I say that this realization has already CHANGED my life by learning that it so DEFINES my being, well-being, and ability to think positive.
In what areas of your life does my mind need to be renewed?
I must replace my reasons WHY with WHY NOT as a rule, not just right now, but always. I have been feeling great lately. I have been positive and feel renewed, a bit rested, and centered. I need to lose my fear that this will vanish. I have my guard up. I need to TRUST. In all things, I have learned that when I give it up completely, it works for the good. I need to have peace and not FEAR that I will die once I find it and let it absorb me completely.
Have I developed an ability to concentrate and focus or do you allow uninvited guests to get you off course?
Haha! This makes me laugh. We have had invited guests with us the last few weeks. Pete's parents made a trip, then my parents came to stay. In keeping this topic recent, I will just say that I have strayed from my desired course of reading, writing, and "wringing out my sponge". We have had a blast! That is for sure, but isn't a good time always the thing that has made me veer off my desired path? The goal for the rest of my life is going to be in learning to stay on the road while enduring the good times!
Attempting to develop an ability to focus and remain focused, which is one of my goals with this blog. Whether anyone reads it or not, I am going to finish Power Thoughts, the Power Shower blog, and will have worked it the whole way through. I am not going to give up because there is a party down the street! Not this time!
How can I work a 10 minute "think session" into my daily routine?
Waking up early or staying up late has been my "special alone time" and I love it. I just have to keep my tired eyes from slamming shut as I write. Coffee is the key to most things really. Writing is my "think session". I have to commit more fully to this purpose. Daily.
Good habits I need to develop in my life? How and when will I start?
This begins with my speech. You can learn a lot about a person by how they answer this question, "How are you?". What prompted my urgency to change was my perpetual response when answering this question, "(heavy sigh) I'm doing alright(sad eyes)." Who wants to continue that conversation? Like I was begging for sympathy or baiting anyone that asked to say, "Oh, what is wrong?" out of obligation. I'll be honest, I don't enjoy those conversations, regardless of what end of it I am on. Our words become our ways. If my words are positive, then my thoughts will follow as will my feelings. I will start this morning and again tomorrow morning and the morning after that! Habits are difficult to break, but this is of the utmost importance as I am losing interest in the monotony of negative thinking. It kind of takes all the fun and wonder out of living.
Amen! This completes part 1 of the journey. I am anxious to start on the 12 Power Thoughts that this book details in the second half. This first part laid the foundation to a new thought process. Let me know about your own journey! I have loved and appreciated all the comments and personal stories that you have shared with me. Thank you for reading! You have given me fuel to continue. May God bless you and your own journey to a happy, positive existence!
No comments:
Post a Comment