So beginning tomorrow, I am starting a 10 day fast from negative thinking. For me this is such a big deal because it is so easy to think of negative over positive. I haven’t quite understood why though?
I try to do this before Thanksgiving because it puts me in such a better mood. I’m not one of those people who dread the holidays. I love the holidays! Family and friends gathering together. I love to give so I do a lot more giving this time a year.
I was the absolute worst thinker. I trained my brain to see my problems not my blessings, and man was that a difficult habit to break. Constantly reminding yourself of how to focus on the bad luck or the bad turn out, that takes a toll on your emotions, your thoughts, and your decision making. Although at the time I didn’t see that. Feeling sorry for myself seemed much easier to do at the time.
Now don’t get me wrong, I believe everything happens the way God intends it to, but I also believe that I have a choice on how I respond to it. I would always respond negatively whether it was in my favor or not. Yeah, what a horrible way to be.
Now I have a grasp on my thoughts and words, and I have a stronger relationship with God and this has what has continued to help me change my thinking to seeing the good in everything.
Here are some quick tip on how I prepare for my 10 days.
- Prayer. I pray more than I usually do. I stay in contact with God through out the day and when something negative comes to mind, I quickly pray it away. This is my way of staying ready.
- Journaling. This is one of the best journaling books I have come across. It promotes positive thinking and shows you what you should focus on. I enjoy journaling because it gives me a chance to reflect on what I’ve done.
- Documentation. You have to document the bad and the good. The most effective way to be sure this works is to document it all. Note what negative or not so pleasant thought that crossed your mind, and what you did to get rid of it.
- Exercise. I put in a little more exercise to push myself to a better me. I find that when I am healthy and feel great, it is much easier to think positive. I am currently training for a half marathon so the exercise this time is definitely there.
- List my blessings. Make a list of all your blessings, and when you feel your self getting to a point where your thoughts aren’t going in a positive way, pull that list our and remind yourself of how blessed you truly are.
I hope a few of you will try this 10 day challenge and let me know how it helped you. I also encourage you all to go past the 10 days as well. Positive over negative is always the best way to go.
Blessings.
Great steps to begin! Thanks for sharing.
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Really nice writeup. Will try these to see if anything changes.
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Thank you. Please feel free to share with me how it goes.
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I love how determined you are to do this! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Keep staying positive…praying along with you!
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This is such a good idea! I’m definitely going to join you in this starting today! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful idea!
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Great ideas I’m going to try these out.
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Oh, yes I am in. Negative thoughts tend to chase me even when I am not interested. Thank you. I had shared a post on negative thinking a little while back as well 🙂
Your neighbor from Christian women bloggers unite
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Yes!! Please let me know how it goes. Recognizing my positives keep my happy.
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Journaling helps me a lot. It helps me focus on God. I should add to my list exercise. 🙂
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Yes even just a 30 minute walk. The outside air, the sunshine, I try and use that time to review my day and thank God for everything. It’s my alone time away from my son. Lol.
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Great list! I journal my prayers too and have been staying on track with exercise. They make a huge difference!
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Yes they do. Exercise always puts me in a great mood. Well not at first, being sore hurts. Lol. After the soreness is gone, yes it’s great. I journal to keep track of where I was and where I’m headed. It also helps me to recognize the prayers that were answered without me evening noticing. Reflecting on my journal is something I do twice a month if not sooner. Thank you very much for reading. Blessings.
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Oh I love this post and appreciate your humble honesty! Great tips! I found myself complaining about something positive yesterday, and then I thought “what am I doing?”
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Oh gosh I’ve found myself at times doing that too. The fantastic news is, you recognized it. For me that was the hardest part.
Thank you for your kind words.
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loved this
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Thank you
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List blessings! Yes, I need to do that more often 😊
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Yes! It’s the best. It’s a reminder of what we have and are very blessed.
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