I was reading about "habits" today. Habits can be either strengthened or broken. I'm sure we all know which habits we have that we'd like to change or break. They don't only have to be physical bad habits, like having to chow down on that big bag of popcorn followed by a giant-sized Goobers at the movies, but they can be bad habits of your thoughts. It seems those bad thought habits can, oftentimes, be more dangerous than the physical type. What is she talking about, you say?
Well, a bad habit of thought for me is thinking that I'm unorganized and unfocused. Because I keep reaffirming that to myself, I find that my life is somewhat overwhelming.
It seems when we think bad things about ourselves and about others they become true. Even if they really aren't true they become that way in our minds making it hard to see past what we have manifested. In other words, as in my case, I'm probably not really that unorganized or unfocused, as I'm able to put these words together (and I think they make a little sense), I have dinner for my husband most evenings (a little take out never hurts), I take good care of my pets and I think I'm a good friend, mother and sister, but by reaffirming those negative thoughts over and over to myself chaos seems to follow me. My desk is a cluttered mess, my kitchen needs straightening, projects need completing, my filing system is here, there, and everywhere, etc., etc., etc.
The same holds true for how we view others in our lives. If we always focus on characteristics of our family and friends that may not be, in our eyes anyway, the best, they become the person we have imagined them to be. For instance, let's say you have a friend or someone in your family who quite often looks to you for help. If you focus on the fact that they can't seem to do anything on their own...that they are helpless...and you keep reaffirming that in your thinking then they become a burden to you, someone who you always have to help and do for. Now if you focus on the things they DO get done and the successes they have, you no longer feel like they are such a burden when they do need your help (I know this first-hand because I have a husband...hi honey!)
So by focusing on the good parts of yourself or others around, you are really enhancing your own life and development. It's a win, win situation. You raise up yourself and them. It's a wonderful thing!
So my task for today is:
Reflect on how you thought of someone today who may have "bugged" you and decide how you can change your thinking about that person to raise up their and your own lives. Try to make this kind of positive and affirming thinking a new habit! Good Luck!
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2 comments:
this is very, very helpful... a perfect way to approach how you think about people.
I'm in a meeting right now with some people, and I can start to put your advice into practice immediately (looking around this table, I think I have a LOT to do to change my perceptions of some of these clowns... I mean valued colleagues!)
Thanks, Hubster, for reminding me to elevate my sights.
Okay, well let me give you a little work advice now...If you are in a meeting it might be a good idea to value your job as much as you value you colleagues and PAY ATTENTION instead of reading my blog...although I do enjoy hearing your thoughts!!!!!
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