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(pp. 48-49)
With the COVID-19 pandemic and related worldwide issues, many people are not feeling like themselves during these difficult times. Does your attitude need a temperature check? Circle the words below that describe your thoughts, feelings and behaviors over the past three to six months.
As you assess yourself on the above descriptors, where would you place yourself on the spectrum from positive attitude on the far right to negative attitude on the far left? If “Pity City” has become your new destination point, it may be time for an attitude adjustment and time to hit the refresh button.
How important is a positive attitude? Quantum duality tells us that thoughts affect matter and that the nature of particles can be altered. We create our own reality. Our attitude is the sole means by which we create our destiny. It is the only thing we can control. Unfortunately, so much of what we try to control is outside our sphere of influence. How would you feel if you let go of what you cannot control?
Under stress, we often freeze, reluctant to make decisions as we try to prevent any mistakes or “bad” choices. We find ourselves stuck, which thwarts our self-esteem. We try to plan for all possible scenarios (often catastrophizing potential outcomes), but the reality is that with every choice, there is uncertainty. And given that our thoughts create our reality, what happens when we plan for the worst-case scenario? A positive mindset, which expands the prefrontal cortex, allows us to evaluate alternatives more objectively and gives us the confidence to direct the course of our lives consciously. The good news is that in most cases, if you do not like the decision you have made, you can make another choice. Life is a series of problems to be solved and decisions to be made, and whether you like it or not, you get to decide.
What if you approached your current situation with a greater openness to experience and willingness to try new approaches? What is your current situation waking you up to? What are you learning in the process? Notice how your inner resources and strengths are pulling you through. You are most likely far stronger and more capable than you realize. What is this situation enabling you to do that you could not do otherwise? Chaos and adversity are catalysts for transformation and growth individually and as a collective. What would happen if you let go of resistance and embraced change?
Every thought and feeling has a level of energy, consciousness and vibration correlated with it. To manifest our desires, we need to raise our level of energy and vibration, and we can do this through a more positive mindset.
How would you assess your inner critic? The voice that tells you, “You aren’t smart enough,” “You don’t look good enough to attract a mate,” “You’ve tried that, and nothing works” … the voice that keeps you imprisoned, ashamed and small. When you notice this voice, thank it for trying to protect you, but understand that you are not your thoughts. Generate the courage to take action to move your life forward in the face of fear. Know that most of these limiting thoughts are an illusion caused by neural networks that over time have fired and wired together. Misery may love company, but who loves the company of misery? Your Spirit will thank you for leaving “negative Nelly” at the door. Your friends and family will too!
Self-Reflection Is Critically Important For Self-Awareness
Ask yourself, “What would a loving parent, sage, wise mentor or Divine being say to me?” In this moment, relax and ask, “What would be helpful for me to know at this time for my highest good?” Notice all the images, sounds in your mind’s ear, feelings and physical sensations that come to you. Be open to everything you receive. These messages should be empowering, supportive, clear, loving and calming. You can trust these messages. You can trust yourself. You are never alone. In writing this article to you now, I just asked what would be helpful for you to hear, and the song from the movie “The Sound of Music” presented itself in my mind’s ear – “When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad!” Let’s sing it!
Could you learn to speak to yourself with greater self-empathy and treat yourself with greater compassion, thereby treating others with greater kindness? We often superficially say to others, “Take care,” but perhaps we need to give more thought to the significance of these words. If you were taking greater care of yourself, would you be doing anything differently?
Time for self-reflection is critically important for selfawareness, our relationships and well-being. I have spoken about meditation and several ways to mitigate stress in past articles. We also need to be aware of when we are ruminating and what we are putting our energy toward. Obsessing about resentments, missed opportunities and past relationships, for example, may be helpful to a point for learning and healing but not when you are stuck in a past that is holding you hostage in the present. Transformation occurs through acceptance. With acceptance, we move past despair and shed outdated patterns to create new beginnings and new ways of being.
To bring yourself into the “now,” look out your window. Notice the colors and textures. What do you see? What do you hear? How do you feel? Calm. Be in the present. Notice the laughter of a toddler, the beauty of your favorite music, the taste of a luscious fruit, the warmth of a salt bath, the aroma of roses from the garden, the loving look from your partner, the utter joy of doing the craft you love so well. Flow … Ease … Awe … Wonder … Gratefulness. Let us envision the impossible dream and create it. I am here to assist. ■
Copyright ©2020, Karen Storsteen. All Rights Reserved.
Website: karensinsight.com / karenstorsteen.com
Karen Storsteen, M.S., M.A., is a human and organizational development specialist, psychic-medium, counselor, executive coach and public speaker.
She has been featured on ABC, NBC, and CBS, and has been a regular on FM radio.
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