On Thursdays, I will offer motivational quotes or guide you through mindfulness practices that focus on well-being, happiness, inspiration, optimism, resilience, confidence, self-esteem, self-love, compassion, and emotional intelligence.
The small acts and practices will help connect us through examination and self-improvement and encourage a deeper connection with others.
The ripple effects of small actions create extraordinary changes in our lives and the world. Enjoy!
Building a Foundation
#1 Challenge the Inner Critic!
We all have the occasional negative thought. After all, it is impossible to be happy all of the time. It’s normal to feel a little down sometimes, but the trouble comes when our negative thoughts start repeating and distort our mind.
Here is a practice that you can do for your well-being. Scan your thoughts for those that are negative and challenge them.
Begin by opening yourself up to thoughts that are running through your mind. It might not be easy to slow them down at first. But when you maintain a meditation practice, this will become easier and easier for you to accomplish. Once you have identified a negative thought, challenge it by asking yourself.
- Is this the truth?
- What effects does this thought have on me?
- What are the possible effects of not accepting this thought as the truth?
The answers you have for these questions can give you a guideline on the best way to proceed. If your thought is not the truth and is harmful, you can change it. Make yourself the author of your life, not the browser of your story.
#2 Empower Others
Allow others to shine! Be kind, especially when you feel jealousy creep in—demonstrate compassion and empathy. Forgive. It isn’t always easy to express these qualities, but by making the effort of practicing humility, and you rouse the possibility for others to do the same.
“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone. But the things you do for others are your legacy.” ~ Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
#3 Hot Mess of Life
Make mistakes. Why? Because it means that you are trying. Stand tall with your feet rooted deep. Keep your eyes wide open to the opportunities. Move, jump, fall. Get up. Cry if you need to; the tears wash the dirt from your face. Dance when you feel the urge to move! Feel anger and sadness, but don’t make camp there. Explore joy and let your soul sing. A well-lived life is a hot mess!