It's all about perspective

I have had a rough couple of weeks personally, and have started, stopped, deleted and scrapped more posts than I care to admit. It's funny that during tough times, all you tend to focus on is the negative side of what is happening, because we are stuck in that mindset of "why is this happening to me" and "this is totally unfair" negativity.

It was brought to my attention recently, after going through the "I'm going to rant and stomp my feet" cycle that actually, I have a huge amount to celebrate.

As human beings, we are conditioned to think that if something doesn't work out, then that is a bad thing. Actually, it can be an opportunity to reflect and actually give appreciation to the things that do work well.

So, as I decided it was all about perspective, I decided to actively "get some", so here is my appreciation post for everything that I love about my situation in life.

1) I love the fact that I live in England (and still have my Aussie passport)

2) I am blessed and happy that I found and married my soulmate

3) I appreciate that I have the means to own my own house and drive a nice car

4) I appreciate that my husband and family support all of my endeavours

5) I am thankful that I am fit and healthy and have the full use of my physical being

6) I am blessed to have friends who really care about me

7) I am thankful for my education & work opportunities

8) I appreciate the moral compass, the ethics and standards that my parents raised me with

9) I am blessed to have travelled extensively and experienced other cultures

10) I am thankful to have known my grandparents

There are so many more that I could add to this list, but this is not War and Peace and I am sure that I will continue to post about other really great things.

It is so easy to be in the "have-not" mindset, and not so easy to live in appreciation. It takes practice and I am yet to master it, if I am totally honest. It is something that I mindfully have to do every morning, for about 10mins before I rise. I literally lie there, after opening my eyes (and checking my alarm) and think about the positivity that will come out of the day. All of the positive outcomes that I hope I will achieve. If I don't, then that is ok, but I set the intention and put it out there into the universe.

Does it sound like a bit of quackery? Yeah probably, but I think that if I at least intend to start the day in "yellow" even if it turns "grey" at least I had the intention.

What do you do to set your mindset? Do you even think about it before you start the day, or just see what happens?

All I can say, is that having started doing this for myself, I have noticed a marked improvement in my outlook day to day. It helps me "ride the bumps" easier and not get bogged down in things that drain my energy. THEN....if all else fails, there is coffee and chocolate biscuits!

My lesson:

1) It is easier to start positive and stay positive if you set the intention to do so. Otherwise you are blowing leaves up a hill, with a straw, in a cyclone.

2) Give 10 mins of your day to sit in appreciation for things that are good in your life. Change is constant so be thankful for RIGHT NOW.

3) It is OK to feel the bumps in the road. It is how you deal with it and move forward that counts. If you lash out along the way, don't expect that hand to be extended next time you hit a road bump.

With love, respect and big ol' hugs

TCG