Empowered to Rise: Build Your Positive Thinking Muscles

Good morning!

I was just outside for a short morning walk. I stopped for coffee and fell into line behind an absolutely gorgeous guy who had a baby son in a stroller. Both seemed so easy going. This happy baby was just chillin' out and smiling at me. His father had a great voice -- really kind and patient. He was wearing a Columbia University tee shirt and I started imagining that this very intelligent guy is probably the best father and husband in the whole world. Then I landed in fantasy land -- I bet this little toddler never cries, ever. I bet their lives are perfect. That's right. Mr. Perfect Father and Son, no issues, no problems, none....

I caught myself. But, alas, I did choose to work with it and gratefully accept what the Universe kindly put in my path! I felt gratitude and chose to experience it as a reminder of what's on the way...

Old thinking -- I'm never going to meet someone like this. All the good ones are taken.

New thinking -- Thank you, Universe, you just showed me someone very attractive and I ask for that in my life! It is done. I can feel what it feels like to have it now. Thank you for fulfilling my intention!

Getting into the place of feeling great and forming intentions or declaring affirmations isn't always easy. I get that -- I reaaaaaallly get that! -- and it's why I'm so grateful for the intenSati practice and other activities I do that shift my mood so powerfully and align my thinking. When I realized how much more effective it is to form intentions while I feel great, I started becoming less tolerant of holding onto feeling like crap.

There's a saying, "Move a muscle change a thought"and I can see how after I got moving, my thoughts did as well. I woke up feeling a little zonked which is why I went out for coffee instead of staying inside. I wanted to breathe in some fresh air by the Hudson. It helped! So, maybe if you're feeling stuck in any kind of thought loop that is lowering your mood, you can address it by getting up and moving around.

Also, are you taking breaks at work to refresh your mind, especially if you work in front of a computer? Are you giving yourself time to just have interactions with people in the flesh or on the phone? So important.

Thinking positively and feeling great are skills. Letting go of anger, resentment, jealousy, shame, judgment, ingratitude, confusion, doubt, and sadness takes practice and I think it's cool that there are so many resources available to support anybody who is seeking help with this process. I find one of the most effective resources is to spend time with people who share the same intention and are living or very much want to live in love, joy, gratitude, health, integrity and kindness. I am grateful to renew this commitment and shared intention each and every morning with you!

Closing thought: I build my positive thinking muscles today. I am always on the lookout for healthy, uplifting mood shifters and when I'm feeling great I use my power to set intentions that are for my highest good!

With xo and gratitude,

Lindsay

ps One week from today (Wed., June 23rd, 7:30pm-9:30pm) I am singing at Googie's Lounge (located above The Living Room, 154 Ludlow St) along with a bunch of VERY talented singer/songwriters I met at Good Commons (www.goodcommons.com). I absolutely would LOVE to see you there and promise it's going to be an incredible night of entertainment! :)!!