Change negative thoughts to positive ones. Break the habit of speaking harshly to yourself.
I feel we have addressed the idea of changing the way you think in previous posts. If this is the first post you have read, the idea is to change the negative thoughts that enter into your head to positive ones, simply by changing the phrase. For instance, if you were to say "I am so fat" you could change it to "I am going to work harder to lose weight". I think I have already started to do this, so I won't go on long. I will add that sometimes we get so used to insulting ourselves that we don't even realize we are doing it. The solution: pay attention.
AMANDA
Throughout Happy On Purpose, one of the themes we are noticing is that it is highly beneficial to have a positive attitude towards ourselves. Today, really pay attention to what you say. I cannot tell you how many times I will hear someone say something like "Oh, I'm so stupid" like it is nothing. They even say it with a smile and a light attitude. Just because they made a mistake doesn't make them stupid. I suppose people who are in the habit of saying things like that no longer acknowledge the meaning behind the words they say. So if you are in the habit of saying one of those negative phrases, do your best to refrain.
xx Brie
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 6
We need time to recover from vacations, family visits, and travel. If we don't give ourselves time to refresh , we will stress ourselves and the people around us out.
This message seems simple but it is extremely hard to follow. My family visits always happen on weekends, so by the time everyone leaves or I return home, it is already Monday again. I cannot give myself time to recover because I have to go immediately back to my thrilling day-to-day routine. Consequently, I am not able to get all my work done on the weekends so I am pretty much screwed for the following week. Of course, the old try-to-get-stuff-done-while-talking-to-your-relatives-then-being-accused-of-ignoring-them system is always an option. I guess the solution is to take a day off after the reunions. I don't know about that Di...
AMANDA
While this is great advice, I tend to agree with Amanda. For some of us, it is impossible to control our schedules. Sometimes we just cannot cancel our committments. So if you are in that situation where you can't take that all important day off, try to eat right and give yourself enough sleep. Doing this may sound basic, but many people do not eat right and try to live day to day on just a few hours of sleep. Also, try to maintain a calm, peaceful state of mind. I know it is difficult, we have all been there. Just do your best to plow through it.
xx Brie
This message seems simple but it is extremely hard to follow. My family visits always happen on weekends, so by the time everyone leaves or I return home, it is already Monday again. I cannot give myself time to recover because I have to go immediately back to my thrilling day-to-day routine. Consequently, I am not able to get all my work done on the weekends so I am pretty much screwed for the following week. Of course, the old try-to-get-stuff-done-while-talking-to-your-relatives-then-being-accused-of-ignoring-them system is always an option. I guess the solution is to take a day off after the reunions. I don't know about that Di...
AMANDA
While this is great advice, I tend to agree with Amanda. For some of us, it is impossible to control our schedules. Sometimes we just cannot cancel our committments. So if you are in that situation where you can't take that all important day off, try to eat right and give yourself enough sleep. Doing this may sound basic, but many people do not eat right and try to live day to day on just a few hours of sleep. Also, try to maintain a calm, peaceful state of mind. I know it is difficult, we have all been there. Just do your best to plow through it.
xx Brie
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
October 5
Taking a break from constantly obsessing over a problem can be relaxing and useful. Just take one day off and you will amazed at the results it brings you.
Today, I decided to take a break from all the stressful work I have had to do. I did work really hard during the day, but this allowed to have the evening completely off. I watched Sixteen Candles, played pool, and watched two of the best shows ever (Modern Family and Surivior). It was a lot of fun. By relaxing like this, I will be more refreshed and able to work tomorrow. I loved this one...
AMANDA
I would have loved to fully enjoy today's tip, but unfortunately I had work that is due tomorrow. So I completed my work as soon as I got home so I would have the rest of the evening off to enjoy my down time and give my body much needed rest. Those who are constantly stressed are more prone to illness. So if you take time out every day, even if it is just for twenty minutes, and do the things you love, you will ultimately live a fuller, happier life. Don't be afraid to put yourself first.
xx Brie
Today, I decided to take a break from all the stressful work I have had to do. I did work really hard during the day, but this allowed to have the evening completely off. I watched Sixteen Candles, played pool, and watched two of the best shows ever (Modern Family and Surivior). It was a lot of fun. By relaxing like this, I will be more refreshed and able to work tomorrow. I loved this one...
AMANDA
I would have loved to fully enjoy today's tip, but unfortunately I had work that is due tomorrow. So I completed my work as soon as I got home so I would have the rest of the evening off to enjoy my down time and give my body much needed rest. Those who are constantly stressed are more prone to illness. So if you take time out every day, even if it is just for twenty minutes, and do the things you love, you will ultimately live a fuller, happier life. Don't be afraid to put yourself first.
xx Brie
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 4
Negative thoughts about yourself are very rarely useful. Realize this, and whenever a negative thought comes into your brain today say "I am not going to pay attention to you."
When I first read today's message, I was convinced that I was guilty of negative thought, maybe even at an hourly basis. As I went through my day today, though, I noticed that I rarely let a negative thought pass through my mind. Now, I had an exceptionally good day today so maybe this wasn't the most accurate experiment. Still, I was really proud of myself. To avoid having negative thoughts in the future, I plan on acting like I am having a great day, every day. We will see how it goes...
AMANDA
I like to think that I am thinking less and less negative thoughts about myself as the days go by. I mean, life's too short to spend it being hateful towards yourself. My little cousin used to sing that song that goes "It isn't any trouble just to s-m-i-l-e!" Adorable. The more I think about it, the more I realize how true it is. It really isn't any trouble to look into a mirror and give yourself a smile or crack a joke in your mind to brighten your mood.
xx Brie
When I first read today's message, I was convinced that I was guilty of negative thought, maybe even at an hourly basis. As I went through my day today, though, I noticed that I rarely let a negative thought pass through my mind. Now, I had an exceptionally good day today so maybe this wasn't the most accurate experiment. Still, I was really proud of myself. To avoid having negative thoughts in the future, I plan on acting like I am having a great day, every day. We will see how it goes...
AMANDA
I like to think that I am thinking less and less negative thoughts about myself as the days go by. I mean, life's too short to spend it being hateful towards yourself. My little cousin used to sing that song that goes "It isn't any trouble just to s-m-i-l-e!" Adorable. The more I think about it, the more I realize how true it is. It really isn't any trouble to look into a mirror and give yourself a smile or crack a joke in your mind to brighten your mood.
xx Brie
Monday, October 3, 2011
October 3
If you are having trouble with drugs or have another addiction of the kind, it may be your inner child calling out. Children focus on fun all of the time. Maybe you miss being as carefree as you were when you were young. Or maybe you never had fun as a child, so you are trying to make up for lost time now.
Whether you did or did not have fun as a child, it is up to you now to create your own life. You are in charge or your life and your choices. You may live as joyfully as you like. To begin, start looking at your life with a more positive, fun outlook. Perhaps you are making your daily life more difficult than it has to be. Try to see the humor in every situation. Remember, whatever you give to life, it gives you back. If you exude hatred, it will someday come back to you. Love, and love will always find its way back to you.
"The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be." - Dalai Lama
I have included one of my favorite little inspirations below. Enjoy :)
xx Brie
I have met a lot of people who take themselves too seriously. They are really unpleasant to be around. They are absolutely no fun and they are quite insenistive. Some people act like the worst thing that could ever happen to a human being is whatever trivial problem they are dealing with for the next two days while all around them people are dealing with real shit. I remember in high school I was friends with a gay guy who I had a crush on (who seemingly was in love with a lesbian; it is a long story). He said people who have really pushy parents who are never happy with what they accomplish are lucky because they are pushed into success. I told him he was an idiot, which might have factored into the decline of the friendship. My point is people will get sick of you if you are always act like a narrow-minded, strung out freak. Just relax.
AMANDA
Whether you did or did not have fun as a child, it is up to you now to create your own life. You are in charge or your life and your choices. You may live as joyfully as you like. To begin, start looking at your life with a more positive, fun outlook. Perhaps you are making your daily life more difficult than it has to be. Try to see the humor in every situation. Remember, whatever you give to life, it gives you back. If you exude hatred, it will someday come back to you. Love, and love will always find its way back to you.
"The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be." - Dalai Lama
I have included one of my favorite little inspirations below. Enjoy :)
xx Brie
I have met a lot of people who take themselves too seriously. They are really unpleasant to be around. They are absolutely no fun and they are quite insenistive. Some people act like the worst thing that could ever happen to a human being is whatever trivial problem they are dealing with for the next two days while all around them people are dealing with real shit. I remember in high school I was friends with a gay guy who I had a crush on (who seemingly was in love with a lesbian; it is a long story). He said people who have really pushy parents who are never happy with what they accomplish are lucky because they are pushed into success. I told him he was an idiot, which might have factored into the decline of the friendship. My point is people will get sick of you if you are always act like a narrow-minded, strung out freak. Just relax.
AMANDA
Sunday, October 2, 2011
October 2
Make sure you are mentally challenging yourself and learning every day. Try to be well-rounded so you can at least have a fundamental conversation with people who have completely different interests than you do.
I feel like I am always learning. I read a lot which is constantly teaching me about different time periods or new vocabulary. I also am studying film and learning tons about the innovation of cinema. And, of course, I listen to a different album a day and learn about music that way. I have always preferred to learn independently. However, I have taken a few classes in the past (including, but not limited to, a series of disasterous tae kwon doe classes, a drawing class when I learned how to sketch alien dogs, and a few dance classes). I have also been teaching myself how to cook (turnip soup is absolutely disgusting). Like I have said in previous posts, it is great to have projects that you can learn from.
AMANDA
You could say that I am an expeditionary. Specifically when it comes to music. I have so much music on my computer, I am constantly trying to organize it. I also love to read and learn about different time periods. Especially the sixties. I love experimenting and learning about fashion and different cultures. Amanda and I do a lot of things together, so our answers are very much the same. However, I have never taken any disasterous classes. Just some swim lessons when I was younger. I prefer to teach myself skills, because I feel like I am evolving when I work something out for myself. This does not include instruments, I cannot teach myself how to play an instrument for the life of me. I need a teacher.
xx Brie
If you don't have the time to take any classes, just create some activities that you can do in your down time. I really like arts and crafts projects, and with those you can just work on them when you have a few minutes or are feeling particularly artsy. You could also surf the internet and read a couple of interesting articles. Your knowledge will continue to expand, and soon you will find that you have something intelligent to say on almost every subject!
I feel like I am always learning. I read a lot which is constantly teaching me about different time periods or new vocabulary. I also am studying film and learning tons about the innovation of cinema. And, of course, I listen to a different album a day and learn about music that way. I have always preferred to learn independently. However, I have taken a few classes in the past (including, but not limited to, a series of disasterous tae kwon doe classes, a drawing class when I learned how to sketch alien dogs, and a few dance classes). I have also been teaching myself how to cook (turnip soup is absolutely disgusting). Like I have said in previous posts, it is great to have projects that you can learn from.
AMANDA
You could say that I am an expeditionary. Specifically when it comes to music. I have so much music on my computer, I am constantly trying to organize it. I also love to read and learn about different time periods. Especially the sixties. I love experimenting and learning about fashion and different cultures. Amanda and I do a lot of things together, so our answers are very much the same. However, I have never taken any disasterous classes. Just some swim lessons when I was younger. I prefer to teach myself skills, because I feel like I am evolving when I work something out for myself. This does not include instruments, I cannot teach myself how to play an instrument for the life of me. I need a teacher.
xx Brie
If you don't have the time to take any classes, just create some activities that you can do in your down time. I really like arts and crafts projects, and with those you can just work on them when you have a few minutes or are feeling particularly artsy. You could also surf the internet and read a couple of interesting articles. Your knowledge will continue to expand, and soon you will find that you have something intelligent to say on almost every subject!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October 1
We cannot control everything. This can scare us but sometimes the uncertainty and fear can take over our lives. If that ever happens, don't be afraid to ask for help.
Time scares me the most. Sometimes, I want it to speed up and other times I desperately want it to slow down. You have to be able to accept all the uncertainties in life. I always thought of it as a trade: I get a certain amount of years and in return I will be able to love, have wonderful experiences, and get to enjoy a incredible range of emotions. This doesn't mean I am completely okay with some of the awful truths, but I at least don't let the unknown take me over.
AMANDA
It is hard for me to put my finger on what exactly scares me. I know that not knowing what the future holds makes me fearful. Not being in control can sometimes make me stressed, but other times I can really be a 'go with the flow' kind of person. I like to think that I have a somewhat firm grasp on reality, so I don't exactly fear that I will end up in crazy situations. I am working on being able to ask for help. I have wonderful friends who will help me anytime, but I just have this crazy feeling that asking for help would be this huge burden on them. I know it's totally not true. It's not them, it's me! Being able to ask for help is one of the biggest things for me to work on. I need to get it in my head that I cannot do it all by myself!
xx Brie
Time scares me the most. Sometimes, I want it to speed up and other times I desperately want it to slow down. You have to be able to accept all the uncertainties in life. I always thought of it as a trade: I get a certain amount of years and in return I will be able to love, have wonderful experiences, and get to enjoy a incredible range of emotions. This doesn't mean I am completely okay with some of the awful truths, but I at least don't let the unknown take me over.
AMANDA
It is hard for me to put my finger on what exactly scares me. I know that not knowing what the future holds makes me fearful. Not being in control can sometimes make me stressed, but other times I can really be a 'go with the flow' kind of person. I like to think that I have a somewhat firm grasp on reality, so I don't exactly fear that I will end up in crazy situations. I am working on being able to ask for help. I have wonderful friends who will help me anytime, but I just have this crazy feeling that asking for help would be this huge burden on them. I know it's totally not true. It's not them, it's me! Being able to ask for help is one of the biggest things for me to work on. I need to get it in my head that I cannot do it all by myself!
xx Brie
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