This week, I had a couple of moments - needing to be at my best and fearing the worst. Found myself doing some of this self talk around my purpose and talking myself into getting excited about the possibilities. I also found myself creating a ritual and finally understanding why athletes will even wear a dirty pair of sock before they perform in a new pair. It's comforting, a sense of familiarity in the face of fear. (I guess it may also be a little bit of warfare!)

4 Bedrock Habits of Highly Confident Women

They're power posing in the ladies' bathroom. They've got that positive visualization thing down like nobody's business. But they also keep in mind these subtle strategies when they really need to shine.

By Joann Klimkiewicz

Words that give life to an ordinary day

Have you read what the book of Ephesians says about us? http://tinyurl.com/ldglqjm

I have not been feeling much like a masterpiece, exactly. I have sensed being made new. It was good to be reminded this morning of the bigger picture. 

So through all the change... A masterpiece! Because of grace!

Where are your thoughts taking you? (Part 1)

Our overall state of mind shapes our journey, everyone has a "way they think". Some thought patterns consistently lean toward the positive, some - not so much. When the deep limbic system is overactive, it sets the mind's filter on "negative." Our thoughts are like super powers, to contribute to our good -or our demise. Maybe a little dramatic but not too far off from the truth.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen describes negative thought pattern as being overrun by ANTS, Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are "cynical, gloomy, and complaining thoughts that just seem to keep coming all by themselves".

Thoughts are powerful. They can be the determining factor of our health. Every cell in our body is affected by every thought. Negative thoughts are very limiting. For one thing, negative thoughts play a significant role in in how we feel (a deep limbic function). Every time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals. These chemicals lead to physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension. Some physicians think that people who have a lot of negative thoughts are more likely to get cancer.

The problem with most negative thoughts is that they sometimes arrive on the seen unexpectedly.- automatically.  That is why Dr. Amen refers to them as "Automatic Negative Thoughts" or ANTs- invading our lives as ants invade a picnic. More ants = more misery.  Healing the deep limbic system requires a person to heal their moment-to-moment thought patterns.

Stomp out the ANTs before they ruin your picnic!

1. notice them
2. write them down
3. respond by correcting negative thoughts, take their power

Thoughts can lie, making our circumstances seem worse than they are.
Truth is a powerful ANT repellent! Know your thoughts, be sure that they are taking you places that you want to go!

Reference:
ANT Therapy: How to develop your own internal ANT eater...by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

I love surprises

Ever noticed that you may never see a certain type of car until you suddenly notice one... And then they are everywhere? 

The peach truck at the farmers market... Jasmine oil arriving at my door the day we get back from vacation. Daisies from a neighbor....mint from a friends garden.  An opportunity to help someone I love find comfort and hope that leads to better health. Reconnecting with old friends, making new ones. Happy surprises! I'm looking for them this week. Because I'm looking, I'm going to see them! 

 

Ever see a quote that generates gratefulness? In the midst of feeling a little overwhelmed by the start of classes, postponing my latest unmet career goal and the health/wellness goals that seem so far off...I read this and felt - I have that. Plenty to do, many to love, and much to hope for. It's all good! One step at a time....

think about such things

Last week I heard a talk on affirmations. Speaking positive, changing the self talk to build up rather than tear down. If I'm honest, many of the affirmations about the universe bringing success my way do not bring me comfort, they feel like wishful thinking. I'm also not someone who is inclined to assign God to the successes of my choice. I suppose this is the realist and maybe the cynic in me. I would, however, like to practice the discipline of affirmation. It sounds right and healthy.

I was still contemplating this when this came to me in a scripture passage read out loud when we met with the church. An affirmation that I can believe and hold to. My recent journey with essential oils caused this familiar verse take on new meaning.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."(Philippians 4:8 NLT)

So it feels a bit like an experiment.....

If it works, then I'll work on the packaging. Feel better Gene! 

(Flu/virus bomb: oregano, melaleuca, lemon, doterra  in gaurd blend)