Influenced by Positivity

Before I go to sleep, I have a gratitude journal and I write down at least three things that I am grateful for within the last 24 hours. Recently, I had loved ones in a car accident and I was thankful for the fact that one was surely held in an angel’s hand and was unharmed. I was thankful for the car’s airbags and sturdy structure that kept them alive. I was thankful for the EMTs, fire department members and police that were all on scene. It changed my perspective and it reminded me to count the positives in the whole situation.

During the past several months I have added one other piece to my evening journaling practice. I write down what I am looking forward to in the coming day. It can include anything from I am looking forward to having time in my studio, lunch with a friend, reading my new book or a new episode of a favorite podcast will drop. It doesn’t matter what I am looking forward to. The key is that I have already set the stage for a positive day before it even arrives. It’s kind of like looking forward to a trip or holiday days ahead of time. It makes you happy to think about it and enthusiastic for it to get here. This practice has had me jumping out of bed in the morning ready to experience whatever it is I have identified as my positive intention for the day. And to be honest, I have also enjoyed more restful sleep.

It’s not a secret that positive thinking is good for you. A lot of research and books have been available on the subject. I could read those (and I have read a few). But, I think that reading about positive thinking is not as effective, at least for me, as creating a practice where you apply positive thinking. I thought I’d share mine so that perhaps you will think of some way that you can inject some action that will generate positive thinking in your day to day activities. If you want a book recommendation, one of my favorites is “Big Magic” by Brene Brown (I bet your library has a copy).

As we all look forward to the longer, brighter days and spring renewal of nature, I hope you will take a moment to consider all that is possible because of the restful and restorative pace of nature during winter. I find myself following suit with this restorative cycle as I prepare for the emergence and growth of ideas of the coming season. The introspection of my gratitude and intention setting is preparing me for what comes next.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow? Next week? Next season? Be curious about how this mindset will affect your every day experiences. Allow yourself to be surprised.

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