Thought For Today - May

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What Are You Thinking?

Have you ever stopped to notice what it is that you are thinking about all day long?

Today, stop for a minute and observe your thoughts. Steer away from judging. Just observe and become aware of what you are thinking. Do this a few times today.

Observe and you'll gain a better understanding of what you are thinking.

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Strong or Hard Hearted?

We need to be strong-hearted to face the many difficult situations in our life, but not hard-hearted where we do not feel compassion or care.

Toughen up without becoming hard-hearted. Be compassionate and caring without draining your emotional strength. Then you'll be warm and
strong-hearted in the face of any situation.

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Are you Rushing?

Will rushing help you to achieve things faster? Often an attitude of rushing simply leaves us drained, exhausted and breathless. Remember, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ Use patience to achieve more.

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Determination

Determination brings the strength to continue, the steadiness to succeed, and the wisdom to slip past difficulties undisturbed.

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Feel Good Factor

What has happened so far today, big or small, that resulted in you feeling good? Maybe it was a blue sky, a smile, completing a project, a phone call, an email, your cat, catching the bus..... It's rare that an hour passes where nothing occurs, although we may need to take time to acknowledge it.

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Coach Yourself

Coach yourself to get the result you want.

Work out which style of coaching works for you: gentle encouragement,
a boot camp approach, incentives & rewards; the phrases, the tone of voice. Then use what works for you.

You may want to use a different style of coaching at different times for different needs.

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Us and Others

Most of us are aware of what is and is not acceptable in how we allow others to treat us.

But are we just as aware of what is and is not acceptable in how we treat others.

When it comes to others, remember to reflect the respect you want for yourself.

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Inspiration, Information, Ideas

We've heard many talks and lectures. We never walk away empty minded. We always walk away with something - inspiration, information, ideas.

If you want to build on what you've heard, what you can do soon after any talk and lecture is:
1) Write down either the most important points or the one thing that stuck with you.
2) Commit to a time in the near future to think things further.

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Getting Through Tough Times

When times are tough it's easy to feel a sense of lacking, isn't it? But the feeling of lacking creates unnecessary anxiety.

Instead, consciously choose to feel abundant. Feeling abundant not only relieves your anxiety but also empowers you to be more resourceful and proactive in how you get through the tough times.

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Remember to Forget, Forget to Remember

All too easily, we remember things we’d rather forget, and forget things we really should remember. Consciously, work out what matters and what doesn't. Know ‘what to remember’ and ‘what to forget’. Then pay attention to what you choose to replay and revisit in your mind. So, what will you remember (your aim, focus, goals…)? And what will you forget (past hurts, worries, irritations…)

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Get off your But

If you really want to do something, there is no doubt that you’ll find a way. If on the other hand, you don’t want to, you will always find excuses, ‘I could, but …’ It’s time to ‘get off your but’! Swap your excuses. Instead of looking to avoid things, start looking for excuses to live life fully!

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Everyday is a Blank Page

Everyday we start with a blank page.

In the story of our life, so far, the main characters have been introduced, themes have developed, and events have unfolded. And although the previous pages influence the next page in the story, each morning we really do start out with a blank page.

A blank page offers freedom from the way things have been. Its potential is unlimited because anything can happen now, the story could take a twist, or a whole new chapter could begin.

How will the story unfold? How will you fill today's blank page?

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Growing from Jealousy

Jealousy doesn't look good or feel good. It makes us overreact, misinterpret and assume things.

Every time jealousy emerges, don't look away, acknowledge it. Then challenge your feelings of jealousy: What's really making me jealous? Do I have valid reasons? Am I being overly controlling, insecure or suspicious? Why do I feel threatened?

Gain insight from the feeling of jealousy and grow from this insight.

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Into Your Mind

What you put into your mind is what you experience.

Whatever you are experiencing in your mind, right now, is what you put there earlier on!

So put something positive into your mind, some peace, determination, good feelings.... And your mind will give that experience in return.

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Food on the Run

How often do you find yourself gulping a coffee as you rush around? Barely chewing as you grab a bite on the run? Eating while distracted by the TV, computer, phone....?

Food and drink are such a pleasure. Why not: choose your favorites, choose the healthiest. Take the time to be more attentive and mindful, and savour the taste and flavors as you eat and drink.

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Like the Palm Tree

Palm trees in a storm bend and sway with the wind but they don't break or uproot.

In the same way, try not to resist or become overwhelmed by the storms of life. Flex, adapt and bend with the situation and the changing priorities. At the same time, stay strong, rooted and grounded in who you are and what's important to you.

Be like the palm tree and flourish.

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Have Done List

To-Do lists are important. But often what we have to do overweighs what we have done. Why not make it more rewarding by keeping a "have-done" list. A "have-done" list gives you a chance to acknowledge and appreciate your accomplishments. It also gives you the encouragement to do more. Look at your "to-do" and "have-done" list, and notice what sorts of tasks aren’t making the journey from “to-do”’ into the “have-done”, and work out why. Refine your strategy and bridge the gap between your expectations and your results.

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Like Your Dislikes

In our lives there are probably activities we dislike, people we don't like.... Most often, irritation and anger arises from being rigid about what and who we like and dislike. The next time you find yourself saying, "I don't like..." pause and ask yourself, "Can I like this dislike? Can I find something positive about this dislike?" If you can't, then maybe dislike a little less! Liking your dislikes might just make you calmer and an easier person to be around!

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Procrastinating on Conversations

Are there conversations you've been meaning to have? Things you have to say, resolve, clarify or communicate? Or simply catch up and say hello.

This week, decide if you want to make the conversation happen. If yes, then:
1. Make a list of all the conversations you want to have and why.
2. Stop procrastinating and set a realistic date for the conversation.

Make the conversation happen and you are likely to feel better for it.

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Morning Thoughts

Good Morning! What are your first thoughts when you wake up in the morning? Scattered, random...? Are you complaining, mapping out the day...?

Our first morning thoughts set the tone for the day. So don't overlook your morning thoughts. Notice them as you brush your teeth or take a shower.
If they're negative or unhelpful, curb them or turn them around.

Think positive, motivating, empowering thoughts and start the day right.

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Life as an Obstacle Course

Sometimes life feels like an obstacle course. You think you've overcome a hurdle & you find another challenge waiting for you, a rope to climb or a swamp to swim through, a wall to scale....

Get through it without becoming exhausted & overwhelmed. How? Find easy ways to revive fast, in between the challenges.

Stay energized & focused, & not only will you keep yourself motivated, you'll expand your resilience & you might even enjoy the challenge of life's obstacle course.

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Open Eye Meditation

Did you know that we recommend meditating with your eyes open?

Meditate with eyes open & it ensures you stay awake & alert, with no temptation to nod off! It also means that you don't have to wait for the right place or the right ambiance. You can meditate anytime, anywhere, when you're cleaning, cooking, walking, exercising or when you need it most.

Tip: If you're meditating while sitting, rest your gaze on the floor, the wall, or on an object, & relax your eyes so that they're half open. If you're meditating in movement, let your eyes work naturally & you can focus on being fully present, or you can bring a feeling of peace into your action.

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Enrich What You Do

Often tasks feel like a chore because we forget to see what we do as an opportunity to enrich and be enriched.

See things differently and then find something called enthusiasm inside of you. Now put enthusiasm into what you do and not only will you get tasks done better and faster but you'll also feel enriched.

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Walk in your own shoes

Would you walk a mile in someone else's shoes in order to understand them - where they're coming from and where they're going? But can we really understand others? We can keep trying, but at the same time remember, someone else’s shoes will not always fit. To understand others better, we have to understand ourselves and walk in our own shoes. Understand who we are, where we're coming from and where we’re going.

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Reflection in the Mirror

Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? Do you consider yourself to be beautiful? Most of us complain about the reflection in the mirror. Even the swan could complain: "I'm too big, my neck is ridiculously long and my feathers are plain white." Be less critical, be more appreciative. Accept yourself. You are beautiful.

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Healthy Swaps

Changing habits can be a challenge! How many times have you tried to stop doing something, only to slide back into the habit? You might just find it easier to swap than to stop. Swap one unhealthy habit with a healthier habit that works for you. Swap: a chocolate bar with an apple; 10 minute walk rather than jumping on the bus; crunchy veggies instead of greasy snacks.

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Anything, Not Everything

In a world of opportunity and possibility, we really can do anything!

But it's not possible or realistic to do everything. Otherwise we'll end up overworked, overcommitted and overwhelmed!

So prioritize your aspirations, and realize: You can do anything, even nothing, just not everything.

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When Someone is Complaining

When someone is complaining about someone else to you, you can:
- change the subject or try to lighten the mood
- stay quiet & not say anything
- step away graciously from the person complaining, without hurting their
feelings
- share something positive to change their perception & feelings for the other
person

What makes the difference is realizing that we don't have to engage in the complaining & add fuel to the negativity. We can positively influence the person complaining.

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The Optimism Prism

Do you view life through a prism of optimism or a prism of pessimism?
Or do you switch back and forth between the two?

For a better outlook, alternative solutions, creative ways to see positive outcomes - go for the optimism prism. It will also give you health, happiness and a smile on your face!

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ABCD of Change

Here's the ABCD for making personal change happen:

A: Awareness. Identify what you would like to change in yourself.

B: Belief. Recognise & challenge the belief(s) holding you back. For example,
believing 'I can't change', 'It's too difficult.'

C: Commitment. 'I'll try' isn't good enough. Work out an effective action plan,
as well as things you will do to sustain the commitment.

D: Discipline. Establish the purpose, why this change is important. Then with
love & enthusiasm you'll sustain the discipline to make the change happen.

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Your Voice

Ever wondered how you're able to hear the sound of the triangle amongst the many instruments in the orchestra? Just because the instrument itself may appear tiny and insignificant in comparison to a cello, tuba, or a kettle drum, there is nothing that stops the clear, pure 'voice' of the triangle from being heard! So, the next time you start comparing yourself to others, stop! Reinforce your self confidence and let your voice be heard.