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Change your thoughts

Kylie

Recently, my 5 year old and I finished reading Pollyanna, the story of the sweet little girl who changed a whole town with her positive outlook on life. I couldn’t help but think while I was reading it to her, “Man, people need to read this! Why don’t we play the glad game more?”

I firmly believe (from experience!) that the more we focus on our blessings, the happier we are. Both because of the habits we form by constantly looking for the positive, and also by the chemicals we alter in our brains. Did you know that? Positive thoughts release chemicals and endorphins that re-wire our brains to look for more positive thoughts, so that we can have the chemicals again.

I read an informative article the other day on the benefits of positive thinking. Basically, studies are showing that optimists and people that focus on positive thinking generally:

  • Cope better with stress
  • Have healthier immune systems
  • Live longer and healthier lives
  • Have increased resilliance (ability to cope with crisis or trauma)

Studies are proving this! And it doesn’t have to come naturally to you, anyone can learn to do it.  Even if you’re naturally a pessimist, you can train your mind to look for the good, and after awhile, it just happens naturally.

It just takes practice.

I have lots of little notes and printables throughout my house reminding me to be positive and grateful. My “thoughts” Pinterest board is full of them too. Ones like:

If you don’t have a board already devoted to positive or encouraging quotes, I would definitely recommend it. I find myself going to it and reading through the quotes when I need a little boost. Some weeks I need it more than others!

I’ve also found another way to focus on positive thinking. Check out this little video:

I have one of those little clickers sitting on my kitchen counter (thanks to BillionClicks.org for providing me with one to try). It has been great to have a tangible way to train my thoughts. When I can tell I’m getting grumpy (or my kids are getting grumpy), I challenge myself to do 10 clicks. Or one click every time I walk into the kitchen. And my day starts turning around. My 5 year old loves it too. It warms my heart to hear the little things that she is grateful for.

November is a perfect month to focus on being grateful and start increasing our positive thoughts. Instead of being stressed, overwhelmed and grumpy, we can feel, calm, peaceful, happy and blessed.

Doesn’t that sound so good?

Here is how to get started:

BillionClicks.org has offered a special deal for The How To Mom readers.

With the promo code: KYLIE415, you get one clicker starter set (clicker, wristband and booklet) for $11.95, PLUS you get another free clicker!

Which means one for you, and one for your spouse. Or the kids. Or one to keep in the kitchen for the whole family. Or one to give your friend. Or one to keep at work. You get the idea. 😉

I have a whole plan (I love plans!) for how I am going to actually enjoy and fully experience the holidays this year. I’ll share more about it next week, but this is the first part. We need to get in the right frame of mind.

Join me! I can’t wait to hear about how it changes your life.

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Kara @ Simplistically Sassy

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

Love clicking!! Love this post.

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Wednesday 6th of November 2013

It is amazing how powerful those little clicks are! Thanks for stopping by, Kara! :)

Liz Mrozowski

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I need a clicker! Great idea.

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Wednesday 6th of November 2013

Yes! And I would love to hear how it works out for you, Liz! Thanks for commenting :)

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