The Power of Positivity
Mindset is your Superpower
How choosing to reframe your mindset can be one of the most powerful things you do
Cultivating Positivity: The Power of Conscious Choices and Good Habits
In the ebb and flow of life, our mindset acts as a compass, helping navigate scenarios & our feelings towards them.
Cultivating a positive mindset involves conscious choices and the creation of healthy habits that shape our daily experiences. I wanted to share some thoughts on how fostering positivity through mindful decisions and intentional habits can help improve our wellbeing
The Mind-Body Connection
The mind-body connection refers to the intricate relationship between mental and emotional states and the physiological functions of the body. It emphasises the holistic nature of our wellbeing, acknowledging that our thoughts, emotions, and physical health are interconnected and influence each other. It is a topic in itself for a whole other blog, but starting to understand & nurture this connection can have a huge impact on our health & wellbeing
I listened to a great podcast recently with a lady called Tara Swart & she talked about the idea that our mind has a huge ability beyond the limitations of our brain. Our thoughts can create any truth within our head. What we assume people think about us when we walk in the room & how it impacts our body (sweating, heart rate, anxiety), yet this was a scenario that was purely in our minds & yet it can have a significant effect on the body. How we cultivate the communication between our mind & our body is a huge opportunity for us to make conscious choices to improve our wellbeing.
It isn’t easy, but by starting to notice your thoughts & how they are impacting your body, we can gently start to reframe our mindset. Affirmations can play a really beneficial role in this. Something as simple as noticing a ‘negative’ thought & then choosing to say something like:
‘My thoughts may not reflect reality’
‘I am safe’
‘I have choices’
‘This feeling shall pass’
I will share more on another blog, but starting to explore the awareness of the mind on the body (and vice versa) can be a valuable way to tune into more consciousness of your choices & mindset
Conscious Choices
Conscious choices are the building blocks of a positive mindset. It's about approaching each decision with intention, asking ourselves if our actions align with our values and aspirations. Whether it's choosing a nutritious meal, opting for a morning walk, or deciding to respond with kindness in the face of adversity, each conscious choice contributes to the overall tapestry of our mindset.
It can be challenging sometimes, because making a conscious choice in a moment can feel uncomfortable. It can feel challenging for your ego or unfamiliar, but by trusting that you are making a choice based on a vote towards the version of yourself you see in the future, you can distance yourself from your reaction & create the space to rewire the brain into allowing the conscious choices you are making form part of the identity you are choosing
The Ripple Effect of Positivity
Positivity is contagious. When we make conscious choices to radiate positivity, the impact extends far beyond ourselves. Our energy influences those around us, creating a ripple effect that fosters a supportive and uplifting environment. Choosing positivity becomes a gift not only to ourselves but also to the community we are part of. It doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time. Holding clear boundaries, communicating fairly & honestly, taking time alone; these are all positive things that can inspire others, cultivate an environment of awareness for self-care & in turn have a positive impact on those around you
Creating Good Habits
I could talk about habits all day long (I share more in this blog about habits). They’re the punctuation of our day. Each day is formed by a series of habits, some conscious, some positive, some not so. By intentionally creating & choosing positive habits, we shape our routines and, consequently, our mindset. I love James Clear’s book ‘Atomic Habits’ for his clarity on habit formation. One thing that I really value & often share is the fact that creating new habits isn’t about sudden big, unsustainable changes. It’s often about starting small & creating an opportunity each day to vote for a version of yourself you aspire to. It’s about starting from a place that you can show up with that habit even on your busiest, hardest day. It’s about being able to reap the mental & physical rewards of knowing that, despite your day, you voted for this new habit. It might be as simple as sitting on your yoga mat & doing a breath when cultivating a new habit of starting a yoga practice. It does not have to be a full hour of yoga.
These habits, when consistently practiced, become an integral part of who we are, influencing our outlook on life. Over time, by consistently doing these habits, they form our identity, they impact our thoughts, actions, physical & mental wellbeing. It is pretty powerful when we break it down. I often try & consciously notice ‘is this habit a vote for the version of me I want to be in 6 months?’. The answer can then help me decide how to either lean into it, or make changes to choose a new framework to adjust my day. Little by little, you realise the power you have in your choices & the impact these small votes have on your overall life
Mindful Practices for Positivity
Gratitude Journaling: Begin or end your day by jotting down three things you're grateful for. This simple practice shifts your focus towards the positive aspects of your life.
Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day for mindful breathing. It helps centre your thoughts, reduces stress & encourages a positive perspective
Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities, such as ‘I am capable’, ‘I can do this’ & ‘I have choices’
Daily Acts of Kindness: Whether big or small, acts of kindness contribute to a positive mindset. Extend a helping hand, share a compliment, or express gratitude to others
In Conclusion
Starting to realise the power & posibilities of choosing to cultivate a positive, conscious mindset can be hugely empowering. By noticing & leaning into good habits & fostering a mindset of gratitude, kindness, and resilience, we not only transform our own lives but also contribute to a more positive & connected community around us.
It isn’t a linear process, some days we will struggle, some scenarios may feel very challenging, but by using tools, reflection, practicing & a little trust in the process, we will start to realise that a positive mindset isn’t about having an easy life, not having challenges, trauma or sadness, it’s about choosing to reframe our conscious choices, where we can, to give us the best possible version of experiences we can influence