I was listening to a podcast the other day, and a topic that the host and guest were discussing struck me as quite insightful.
It might seem a little "woo-hoo," but they were discussing how we literally become our thoughts. Our body reacts to our thoughts, whether positive or negative, and that is what we become. We become the story we tell ourselves.
Think about it - if you constantly look in the mirror and all you see are your flaws (big hips, tired skin, etc), what do you think you are going to become? This lovely, confident person who loves her body and everything about herself? I think not!
Instead, when we spend all of our time focusing on the negative or what we aren't happy with in our lives (our appearance, being too busy, our job), we literally become that negative persona. We are unable to see past it. We start to judge and envy others for seemingly not having those negative aspects in their own lives (although, who are we really to judge - we don't know what their own internal struggle is!).
If we constantly think about how overwhelmed we are with everything going on in our lives, we become more overwhelmed.
If we constantly think about how unhappy we are in our job or career, we become even more unsatisfied with our job or career.
If we constantly think about how little money we have, we become even more worried our financial situation by the minute.
If we constantly think about how unhappy we are with our bodies, we start to see even more aspects of our bodies that we don't like.
It's a cycle - we become what we think.
However, although it's very difficult to change our thought patterns, it is completely doable! Plus, it depends on no one but yourself - you are in control of your thoughts and how you react to them.
Start by noticing which thoughts are on your mind most often. Are they positive or negative? What are they related to (money, your job, your body, etc)? How are they affecting your other thoughts and actions throughout the day?
Once you have established this baseline, it's time to change those thoughts. It's time to recognize that some thoughts, anxieties, and worries are not worth your time or energy. They only bring you deeper into the negative thought pattern hole.
If poor self-talk and self-confidence is your downfall, leave notes on your mirrors with body positive quotes or a simple "You are beautiful."
If money worries are constantly on your mind, seek out a professional financial advisor.
If you are unhappy in your job, start preparing your resume and look around for other options.
And lastly, seek out a professional counselor if you feel like you need an objective, outside person to help you sort through your negative thought patterns. It's always a wonderful option to have, even if you only go once a month or so!
After you have a game plan in place, it's time to make it happen - change your thoughts, change your life. It is a simple as that.
xoxo Olivia
