Encouraging Tips for Embracing Your First Step

Life is a journey. The imagery for envisioning our individual paths varies based on the unique experiences of each person. My path embraces the natural terrain of a peaceful forest. Patches of sunlight peek through the leaves as I walk, delivering warm positive thoughts. Of course, some stretches of the path are rocky. I’ve hiked through thunderstorms. My heart has been bitten by frigid snow as well. Still – I keep going. I know storms end. I have faith the darkness of night will be expelled by a benevolent sun.

Take Your First Positive Step! © _Danoz – stock.adobe.com

Our journeys don’t stay on a single path. Life is full of byways and turns. Each decision we make takes us on a new trail. If we are wise, then we will use what we have learned from past excursions.

Encouraging Tips for The Next Leg of Your Journey

• Reflect with an open and forgiving mind as you look back on your journey
• Be Compassionate with yourself and others. You didn’t have the knowledge then that you do now
• Let the past go, taking with you only the things that will aid you in future trails
• Banish the fear. Embrace the new!

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

The Divine Bliss of Simplicity

Simple. Peaceful. © dampoint – Stock.adobe.com

“It’s complicated” is more than a Facebook status. Complexity is a way of life for many of us. We expend too much energy fostering complicated relationships that may not be good for us. Our brains are constantly overwhelmed by social media, texts, emails and those annoying notifications for every APP ever made. We allow ourselves to be tangled by negative issues.

Is all the angst and irritation necessary? Try a simple approach instead. Simplicity reduces stress and elevates our joy.  Make Your Life Simpler:

keep it simple © Song_about_summer – Stock.adobe.com

Set a Social Media Free Time each day: Log off and walk away. Take time for simple pleasures by avoiding the constant bombardment of information

Ignore the imaginary fists pounding on your virtual door. Go to a quiet space you set aside for your peaceful times. No computers. No cell phones. No noise from the daily grind

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.

Should You Listen to The Voices in Your Head?

Be Positive! © MarekPhotoDesign.com – stock.adobe.com

Let’s begin with a simple exercise. Have paper and pen ready. Or an accurate memory.

Shut your eyes (unless you’re driving or walking. Then keep your eyes open!). Take a deep breath. And release it.

Now. Think about your day. What did you do? Who did you meet? How did you feel?

Open your eyes. Write down the key things you remember from your day. Draw a smiley face or a frowny face beside each one depending upon how each line made you feel.

How many smiley faces do you have? How many frowny faces?

Ask yourself with Love and a low level of judgment, what are the voices in your head trying to tell you?

Happiness and Joy! © 9dreamstudio – Stock.adobe.com

Do you have more smiley faces than frowns? Great! Each day is a gift and I’m glad yours was a happy one.

Did you have more frowny faces? If the frowns are unusual for you, try the exercise again tomorrow. Everyone has an off day. You’re allowed.

What if your life is full of frowny faces? I hope this exercise encourages you to explore why. Negativity easily becomes a bad habit. It’s like a ratty old puffy coat that makes you feel safely hidden. Sometimes you feel so comfortable that you forget what it’s like to walk in the sun – no puffy coat.

Habits are hard to break, especially when the change is scary. Ending an abusive relationship. Choosing to stop addictive behavior. Leaving a job that’s horrible.

Be Fearless. Be loving. Be patient. It takes time. Remember: You are worth it! So, tune out the negative and embrace your inner optimist. Positivity gives you a lighter heart and makes you a joy to be around. Be joyful, even if you’re not feeling it. Tune out the negative. You’ve got this!

Be Positive. Be Happy. Be Well.