b e h i n d t h e m o o n: positive thinking

What does love look like?

Well it can be big like letting someone live with you until they get back on their feet
or it can be small like sharing a smile with a stranger at the grocery store.
While I'm striving to love more on others, I find that I need to love a little on me too.
It honestly fuels me to be even more giving to others.
Its about really trying to be your own best friend.
Often I find it easy to be encouraging to others but not as much to myself.
Really start separating yourself and say "if my best friend was experiencing this what would I tell her?"

Developing positive self talk is a critical part nurturing yourself.

1. It starts with awareness.
You need to start paying attention to how you think.
Negative thoughts can creep up like a ninja in the night, you don't even know they're there.
It so easy to think you can't do something or its too difficult but anytime you
catch yourself saying this, turn your "can't" into "can's".
If you don't believe it is possible then it is definitely impossible.
Become your own personal cheerleader :)

2. Bring on the positive affirmations.
One way I've done this is to use post-it notes.
I'll write little positive affirmations and stick them on the bathroom mirror, inside a cabinet door,
anywhere you will see them throughout the day.
The key is not to ignore them, when you see it, say it outloud to yourself.
I know, you're worried you'll look like a crazy person saying these things to yourself but really,
aren't you worth it? Yes, you are!

Alright, say them silently if you must but stop what your doing for
just a split second and truly focus on what it says.

3. Take a look around you.
What type of people do you spend your time with?
Do you work in a negative environment? Just close your door, or do you're best not to
chit chat with the complainers. I'm not saying to be rude to them, just don't prolong
or encourage the negative conversation. Is there negativity in your house?
Try to sit down with your spouse/family and have an honest discussion about
what the negativity does to you and politely ask for everyone's effort to look on the bright side.
I guarantee everyone will see the benefits immediately.
We have seen this in our own home.
When we're all on board, it's amazing how much happier we all are.

4. Break it down.
If your like me, all the responsibilities and commitments come
crashing down on you and you're freaking out before you know it. Take a deep breath.
Count to 10 (these really do work!). Focus on what you can do right now.
This takes the focus off of what you can't control and brings it back onto what you can.
And when you feel like you can achieve some sort of small accomplishment,
you'll feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.

5. Give it to God.
You are a unique being that was created out of pure love.
When you really start to believe that, your life will change.
Pray on it. Don't be afraid to ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you.
This is something I struggled with for a while, feeling like I was not "worthy" of love,
success, happiness. But the Truth shall set you free.

I urge you to really reflect on how you speak to yourself and
encourage you to be kind to that girl in the mirror.

I leave you with one final thought....