Cultivate Positivity in Your Life

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo- Cat Collage I drew with oil pastels; my creative spirit helps me to cultivate positivity.

The blog post, blog.bufferapp.com, discusses how most decisions are based on the subconscious mind. Our conscious mind is only the tip of the iceberg, representing a small percentage of our full mind, 12% conscious and 88% subconscious. It also states that negative words are often not recognized by the subconscious. For example, if you are trying to quit a bad habit like eating sweets, you might say, “I’m not going to eat sweets,” but the subconscious doesn’t hear “no or not” and instead embraces the message, “I’m going to eat sweets,” and suddenly you are craving them. Instead of saying what you will not do, frame your intention with your positive focus on change. You might instead say, “I’m going to eat healthy foods like fruit and vegetables to improve my nutrition and, therefore, my health.” This sends a message that aligns your conscious and subconscious mind.

It is tough to replace negative thinking and negative words, but the more we can practice, the more positive we will become. It is a work in progress, like most anything we try to alter. It takes time. Remember, self-awareness is necessary first to determine what our reality reflects, and then we must identify our triggers by determining what is causing the negativity. It is possible to change this behavior. If we continue to tell ourselves we are worth the work, we will see our perspectives changing into glass-half-full thinking instead of half-empty.

I used to be a person who worried and stressed a lot. I saw the world through unhappy, fearful eyes, which caused me a lot of hardship. Once I realized the power of my mind, I worked to control my thinking by redirecting it, and this was a variable that empowered much change in my life. Positive thoughts rule my thinking today, inspiring and motivating me to continue pushing forward. I do have glimpses of negativity, but when it happens, I recognize it quickly and is short-lived.

If you want a healthier life, start by changing your mindset. You can overcome it with practice, and the shift in thinking will manifest greatness beyond your wildest imagination!

Give it a chance, and let me know how it works. Need more information, check out the Mayo Clinic. 

Overcome Cravings through Impulse Control

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

I’m here with you, trying to live a healthier life. And although I may fail a number of times when I look at my life today, it is much healthier than the life I led 5 years ago, so I’m trending in the right direction. And my small successes are adding up and helping me! It is helpful to look at trends in your journey instead of day-by-day micro-analysis; this way is more compassionate and eye-opening.

WebMD.com advises on developing impulse control, “You can improve self-control at any age, according to Marc N. Potenza, MD.

For kids: Practice and practice again; keep it up. Learning and further developing social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and allowing others to speak without interuption is not only polite, it's an exercise in impulse control. Starting this training early helps build brain function and instills good habits that continue for a lifetime.

For grown-ups: "Trying to foster good habits in people at an early age is helpful but it's never too late. People can change -- particularly if they are motivated to change," says Potenza. To fight temptation, try substituting a healthier immediate reward for the less desirable treat you crave. For example, put a dollar into a vacation fund every time you resist the urge to have a drink.

If tips don't do the trick, medications combined with cognitive behavior therapy can reduce compulsive behaviors, including gambling and substance abuse.”

Remember not to be too harsh on yourself during the change process; self-love enables positive change, while bullying yourself only makes you feel worse.

The message here is that you can develop impulse control, which is key to your persevering spirit manifesting positive change. Don’t give up!

What are you trying to change? What do you feel like you can't give up? Tell me about it.