Mind Fitness - Week of 07/24/23
Mind Fitness - Week of 07/24/23
Statement of intent
Back in May, I had you start your day by writing a statement of gratitude on a yellow sticky (or equivalent). The idea was to get in the habit of being thankful. Too often, when we think about our past, we consider what we don’t have or did wrong, getting locked into a cycle of woe is me. As a result, our thoughts become laced with resentment, sorrow, anger, regret, or guilt. But we can train ourselves to do the exact opposite. The yellow sticky drill helps develop that practice. Replace those unhelpful thoughts with ones that lift your mood by finding something to be grateful for and committing it to paper every morning.
This week, we will complement that exercise by focusing on the future. If you are like me, looking ahead often causes trepidation. To counter this tendency, I’ll write a statement of intent to accompany my message of gratitude. If I put it somewhere I see often, I can swap out any anxious thoughts as they arise with this declaration. The trick is to make your statement of intent related to your frame of mind. For example:
I intend to assume the best-case scenario in all circumstances.
I intend to give the best possible interpretation to situations.
I intend to smile in response to any worrisome thought as it arises.
Give it a try. Pay attention to your forward-facing thoughts and flip them into something positive when necessary.
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DISCLAIMER: RARE SENSE content is not medical advice. Nor does it represent the official position or opinions of any other organization or person. If you require diagnosis or treatment for a mental or physical issue or illness, please seek it from a licensed professional.