Inspiration is always worth repeating and sharing. I hope you enjoy this one.
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are”. ~ Marianne Williamson
We humans have a built in default of negative thinking. Its part of our survival mechanism that the ego has reenforced ever since we were little. As we grew up we became alert to scarcity and threats.
So for many of us, it feels natural to go around looking for what is wrong and criticizing things, other people … and of course, ourselves. We may not even be aware of it.
Negativity feels acceptable and normal. Being safe becomes our preferred state. Even when it makes us miserable. After all “better the devil you know … ”
When we are in this state, the idea of positive thinking is likely to be rejected as ridiculous and fake. Remember, this inner critic is our ego wanting to protect that ways things are. If we were to be more positive and less fearful, it would lose its power over our thinking and behavior.
Yet, neuroscience shows us that we can change our thinking by reenforcing new neural circuits in the brain. With practice, our brains are able to grow and change.
We are not hard wired in our thinking but we can be hard headed.
Here are some ideas to inspire you into shifting your thinking and creating new neural pathways:
- Instead of looking for what’s wrong. Look for what’s right. For example, write a post it note and keep it with you all day as a reminder. Or catch one of your children or an employee doing something right.
- Take time to look at something ordinary as something to be grateful for. For example, sitting at the table with your family tonight. Or watching the sun shine through the leaves.
- Before going to sleep reflect on 3 things that you are grateful for.
- Keep an achievement journal. Write down everything that you accomplish, including the small stuff. We usually filter out our strengths and accomplishments and focus on our losses and weakness. Balance out your thinking by writing down the good times. You will be surprised.
Recognizing these moments will start to transform your neural pathways into ones that recognize how good things really are.
This is where joy lives.
always beautiful Val…sending feeling of gratitude ☺️💛💫 smiles hedy
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Thank you dear Hedy 💕
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Wisdom at it best Val.
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Thank you so much Don 🙏
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It is an amazing thing to hear when people meet another culture and they find them very nice, polite and just fun to be around compared to ‘our own’. And I personally find that when a society is allowed to be a part of their country’s decision making, their is more respect, of themselves as well as others, and more belief in their journey. They are happier, more at ease and most certainly more ‘alive’.
At the moment those cultures are very far and few between, usually islander nations simply because the western culture built on those ‘attitudes’ have not permeated too heavily.
Time for a rebuild Val, as you now do. Loving and believing in ourselves is the most powerful way of removing what went before.
A question if I may…what ‘culture’ will we now become or for that matter…do we need a label? ❤️
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Thank you Mark for this thoughtful comment. ❤️ I hope we evolve into a culture that values peace, kindness and respecting each other and the world we live in.
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Hear, hear Val. May it be so ❤️
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Feeling Joy just being here Val 💕👏😘
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Loved every word of this post, Val. We can be such Euyores . . . even when we have reason to bounce with joy like Tigger!
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As always, Val…thank you for the reminder… It’s a slippery slope into negativity. xxx
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Thank you Ally
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My pleasure, Val. xxx
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the power of positive thinking!
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Sometimes an attitude adjustment can work wonders.
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So true. Thanks Jennifer🙏
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I needed to hear this today. Had one phone conversation today which made me upset. I find myself thinking about it constantly and getting more upset, although few good moments I had during the day, which brought me joy, I am not thinking about those moments at all. Your post made me conscious of this vicious circle I created for myself.
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Our thinking can get stuck in a loop of negativity so easily. So glad this helped 💛
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Lovely suggestions, Val! Thank you for the super reminders of easy ways to bring joy into our lives. I know YOU and your blog are one of the things I appreciate!
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Thanks so much Vicki 🙏
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Great post and so on target. We do look naturally to the negative. I write in my gratitude journal every night and in my journal, I list what I’ve accomplished during the day. It helps me feel like I’m not the slug I sometimes think I am. 😉
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Smiling … I hear you Marlene. Keep counting the good stuff and finding balance 💕
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Pingback: Inspiration – Joy — Find Your Middle Ground – Whatever’s On My Mind
Thank you very much for this insightful and uplifting post! I really enjoyed reading it and hearing your thoughts! I have recently published an article on my blog about why I love joy, and it’s positive impact in the world. If you have time, it would be great if you could check out my post as I would be interested to hear your thoughts! Thanks 🙂
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Thank you Levine! I’ll be right over.
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Thanks for your post. We all need a shift in perpective now and then. I like your idea of an achievement journal.
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Thank you ❣️
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Pingback: Inspiration – Joy — Find Your Middle Ground – Rexton digital
Great advice
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Thank you Jon 💛
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Very good steps to improving joy in your life. Thank you
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Thank you Aychem for stopping by 🙏
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Gratefulness makes all the difference!
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Gratitude to you Rajender 🙏
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