By Linda-Ann Stewart
Haven’t you had days when everything seemed to go wrong? You
spilled your coffee on your proposal, the copier jammed, and you had a flat
tire. Or maybe you’ve had times when the future looked dark and it was hard to
see any light. When you’re down, it’s hard to see that there’s a way up. It
becomes difficult to remember a time when things went well.
In these times, it’s challenging to stay positive, even when
you know that being optimistic brings better results. You know shifting into a more
upbeat frame of mind can turn things around and open doors for you. But when
you’re down, it’s hard to focus on being positive. And this shuts down your
ability to innovate.
What if you had a journal of evidence to remind you of times
when things worked out? When you read about instances when you had good things
happen, your mood lifts. Shifting your attention to something better changes
your perspective and life flows more smoothly. You open to a broader range of
possibilities and engage your creative mind to find solutions.
When you keep a journal of times when you were happy or when
a situation worked out, it keeps you focused on the positive. And a journal
gives you something to refer to when you need a mental boost. The more often
you add to this journal, the more you train your mind to look for joy in
everyday occurrences. You create an upward spiral of positivity that buoys you
up when things go wrong.
There are several types of journals you can keep, and none
of them take much time to update each day. Consider creating one of the
following:
Gratitude.
Evidence shows that writing three to ten gratitudes each day can improve your
attitude within three weeks. People who keep a gratitude journal feel better
about their lives as a whole and make more progress on their personal goals. Also,
they better at bouncing back after adversity.
Falling Star.
This is when you have something amazing drop into your lap. For example, you talk
to someone in line at the store and gain a new customer. Or you mention that
you need a plumber, and your neighbor gives you a great reference for one. By
remembering that good things come when you least expect it, you prime your mind
to seek opportunities for you.
Bright Side. This
is when a situation looks grim, but suddenly turns around. For instance, I had
to find a new home insurance policy after my old one had increased
substantially. My new agent found one, with the same coverage, for almost half
the price. This one could also be called “Dawn,” as in, “It’s
always darkest before the dawn.”
Awe. What
inspires awe for you? A beautiful sunset, a hummingbird hovering, or crashing
waves? Awe can be found in the smallest of moments and can bring a sense of
happiness and joy. When you take note of them, you remember how you felt at
that time. Referring to a moment of awe can reduce stress and improve your well
being.
Manifestation or the Law of Attraction. When have you successfully attracted or manifested something
you were focusing on? Describe it in this journal so you can recall it in the
future. Include your attitude and belief about the situation. Your item could
be as simple as finding a great parking place or as complex as being offered
the perfect job. This journal can encourage and support your spirituality.
Daily practice with any of these types of journals
conditions your mind to seek out the positive, which keeps you more optimistic.
And being able to refer to them when you’re down reminds you that things can,
and will, get better. It brings you back into a sense of balance. It takes a
bit of effort and dedication, but the rewards will be long lasting.
Affirmation:
The Universe supports all of my endeavors. When I keep my thoughts positive, I provide a clear channel through which the Universe can work. I stay positive by remembering times when events have gone well for me. In so doing, it creates an upbeat attitude and allows me to be more effective.
Watch the accompanying video, Use Journaling for Mindfulness and Success.
As a vision strategist, hypnotherapist, and speaker, Linda-Ann Stewart helps women entrepreneurs and small business owners who feel stuck, immobilized and overwhelmed to to get clear, focused and on the fast track to the next level of their business. To achieve a 90-day goal more easily, sign up for her FREE comprehensive Strategic Vision blueprint at
www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/setyourcourse.html. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.