We Are What We Think

“Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”
                --Ralph Waldo Emerson

What we think determines who we are and what we become.

I have a problem.  I think too much sometimes.  I get caught up in negativity.  I think of all the bad things that could happen.

I am realizing that this is a waste of my energy and affects the way I interact with others.  It also severely limits my potential.  When I think negative things about myself or others, that is what I get in return; I am not my best self, and others may be negative toward me.  Actually, anytime anyone is less than complimentary toward me, it is because somewhere in my conscious or subconscious mind is a negative thought.


So how can I change my thought pattern to get out of this negativity?  Here are some ideas that I am working on:

• Begin the day with affirmations.  Ideally this is recorded, and you listen to it.  You can even be eating breakfast or exercising while listening.  Or, you can think the affirmations in your mind or say them out loud.  What is an affirmation?  What you want as if it's already happened, and who you are or want to be.  Some of my favorite affirmations:
• I am loved.
• I am a joyful mother of children.
• I am loved.
• I am a good homemaker.
• I have wonderful, connected relationships with my children.
• I earn $x each month.
• I weigh x pounds.
• Practice gratitude.
• When you notice yourself beginning to think negatively, immediately stop your negative thinking.  This makes sense, but it is hard.  My favorite methods of doing this is to yell at myself in my head for a moment, "Jessica, stop!  Think positive!" and then start quoting my affirmations, "I am beautiful, I am loved, I am happy..."