No, there aren’t 74 other posts before this one. I like picking random numbers…or I have an ulterior motive I’m not ready to share yet.

Anyway…

I listen to Mindfulness Moments via Amazon Alexa. I enjoy some of them, but all of them serve a purpose in giving me a one-minute break to refocus. I also enjoy those Calm pictures in my FB feed which encourage me to do nothing for 30 seconds. On Tumblr, I get the calming babbling brook posts reminding me to breathe.

This is all great, but I am a writer so words matter, and I actually like writing to process things. 

All of this to say, I will start posting random short reads on mindfulness.

Today: We are what we think.

1. Others will live rent-free in our heads if we let them. If it’s someone you wouldn’t allow to live in your house, then consider evicting them from your thoughts.
2. Counteract any phantom voices with better thoughts that you’d share if a friend was facing your struggles.
3. Start right now – think something positive.

Obviously, I’m not privy to your thoughts, and it’s okay to lie to me. It’s not okay to lie to yourself.

REPEAT YOUR POSITIVE THOUGHT. Consider writing it down as well.

Some of my favorite writing advice is to remove the parts people will skip. There are many interpretations of that. For now, let’s go with saying skip the vague, beauty pageant answers.

Pick something really small but also very precise and positive for you. 

My 3 positive thoughts right now: 

• Today, I’ve closed a few loops (little adulting tasks that have been weighing on me as I’d put them off) and that makes me feel happy and productive. 
• I’m writing a blog post.
• Later today, I’m catching up with a friend. It’s been a while despite us always saying we’ll meet up soon.

My positive thoughts may not work for you or may even confuse you. That’s okay. They are mine alone, just as you have your own. I owe you no explanations and you don’t owe me or anyone else.

There’s a lot in this world that I can’t explain or control. It feels overwhelming sometimes.

In this moment though, I’m embracing my positive thoughts. My 3 little things that make me smile. I feel a little calmer and happier.

What about you? Are you thinking about/ embracing what makes you happy? If not, what’s stopping you? Take a moment for yourself, just you.

Exhale – inhale – exhale – inhale – exhale.

Take care of yourself, friends!
-RSJ

Obligatory cute cat photo to also inject some positivity into the world.

Other posts you might consider reading of mine:
10 Adulting Tips from a Somewhat Reluctant Adult
Mental Self-Defense
Main Character Energy