Life is challenging at times. What I am continually reminded of, is that the only real thing I truly have under my control is my attitude. Attitude is a choice, something we can make every day, every moment. Not easy to remember at times when we feel we have been victimized by other’s choices or fate itself. Choice brings with it responsibility, which is how we choose to deal with our challenges. The “food” we can ingest to provide nutrition to our spirit during these times are affirmations and reminders of gratitude to help shape our attitude. The six items listed below I believe are great examples of how we can remind ourselves of the choices we can make today, right now!
Source for information below, Dr. Marshall Goldsmith)
1. “There is no use dwelling on the past. What is done is done. In hindsight, would I have done some things differently? Of course! I cannot change that now. I am focused on creating a great future.”
2. “In a strange way, my recent ‘disasters’ have actually made me a better person. I now realize that what matters is my health, friends, and family. I am grateful for the fact that I now understand what really matters.”
3. “I have a good job. I used to gripe about all kinds of minor annoyances at work. I recognize now that there are a lot of people out there who are much worse off than I am. All the little things that bothered me so much don’t matter anymore.”
4. “I have time to invest in my future. I am using it to do what I always said I wanted going to do. I am glad that I have a chance to do this.”
5. “I love my work. As an independent contractor, I have had to cut my fees. Who cares? I still love what I am doing and am grateful to be doing what I love.”
6. “My family is closer than ever. Some of us aren’t doing so well. We are doing whatever we can to help each other. We love each other and support each other when times are tough.”
Personally, I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to communicate with you, my readers. Many of you have sent me wonderful comments and e-mails. I have learned so much from you, and I am very appreciative for your interest in what I write. “Great is the need of the student to learn — far greater is the need of the teacher to teach.” As a teacher, trying to help you — even a little — adds value to my life. Thank you! Dr. Goldsmith.
Come up with your own list of reminders. There are always things that you can be thankful for, even when the chips are down. If you want to view a great video on this, check this one out on YouTube. For me, sometimes it gets to the basics as far as gratitude. My favorite line is from Les Brown who states, “any day is a good day that I wake up without a chalk line around my body.” Another one is, “This Too Shall Pass”. As far as affirmations go, my favorite is simple, yet profound, “I Am Okay”. I devoted a chapter in my book on the topic of affirmations and how to create them to have maximum impact. It is a matter of reprogramming the unhealthy beliefs we have formed and our nature to succumb to negativity and to lose hope.
In any case, I hope that you have a great day. For those going through significant challenges, know that you are not alone, and dedicate some time to repeat to yourself over and over, I am okay, I am getting through this, along with reminding yourself to focus on one-day-at-a-time, and even one moment at a time.
