Attitude of Gratitude
Our prehistoric brains are designed to see what's wrong around us. It would have meant the difference between life and death when caveman and saber-tooth tigers were next door neighbors. But, in our modern society where most of us have to worry less about being eaten by zoo creatures, our brains haven't caught up. But, it's not all bad. We can retrain our brain to notice the good going on around us and focus on the positive instead.
Creating an attitude of gratitude takes a little time. As you create that positive mental feedback, it gets easier, those brain connections work faster. Here’s three ways focus on the positive.
Positive journaling. It has been shown to be more effective than opioid drugs in controlling chronic pain perception. WHAT?! That's right, we can mentally fortify ourselves. Start by writing down three positive things everyday and why it was good. It doesn't have to be "I won the lottery” big. In fact, simple may be better.
“I woke up early; it's good because I had time for exercise and was on time to work.”
“My smoothie tasted great; it was full of hidden spinach.”
“A stranger held the door for me when I had a huge package in my arms.”
Flip the script. It takes practice to quiet that negative voice. When I find myself fixating and getting irritated, I mentally call a time out. Literally, I make my inner monologue say STOP. Then I flip the script that's repeating through my brain. Sometimes it's ridiculous, but it's just what I need.
What do I mean? If I'm irritated that my husband left dirty dishes on the coffee table. I mentally say STOP. Maybe he was running late and had to leave for work. Maybe a wasp got in and he had to abandon breakfast to save me from the emminitent bug threat. Maybe he wanted me to know he ate a healthy breakfast. At least he didn't wake me up a 5am to tell me. Sure, those stories are a little goofy, but they give him the benefit of the doubt. Because there is no way he actually left the dishes to piss me off or make the space dirtier for me. I probably didn't figure into his equation at all.
Or, maybe I'm bumming about another friend quitting at work. Mentally say STOP. I'm happy for her, the new job sounds great. I can have her old locker in the break room. Does her absence mean there is a way for me to step up, have more responsibility and look better for reviews at work? There are always multiple sides to a situation. Coming at the story from another angle can change the whole mood of it.
Write thank you notes. Now that you are focusing on the good around you, share that feeling! Moods are contagious. Share the warm fuzzy feelings, let someone know when they are a positive moment in your day. It can be short and sweet. Writing it down, rather than just saying it (although you can and should do that too!) means they can look back on that memento throughout their day when they need that pick-me-up. See what happens? Positive Moment-Affirmation-Positive Moment-Affirmation. You just created a feedback loop of positivity.
This post was sponsored by the beautiful thank you cards featured in the photos. If you need thank you notes to get you started, pick some up here. https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/ZCYLOVE/listing/560779920/48-pack-floral-flower-thank-you-cards?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1511497674595 Have a positively beautiful day!















