I Found There's Lots to Love About Me
Once I silenced my negative thoughts
Most of us want to better ourselves as we age. This is no secret. We strive to enhance our life skills and nurture our relationships. Some of us have spent years maturing and growing into our skin. It’s a lifelong quest.
Many say the journey is key, not the destination, but how many of us can honestly say we’ve changed in noticeable ways?
Five years ago, I committed to ridding myself of incessant negative thoughts, believing that any situation, no matter how devastating, could be better handled from what some call love-based states.
The results have been astounding.
While I typically reacted quickly to situations with anger, sadness, and grief, I used to stay in those emotions for extended periods; this is no longer the case. It’s liberating to face a problem with hope, inspiration, and often even gratitude. Sometimes, we can’t change what happens to us, but we all can choose how we wish to react.
It’s freeing to live this way. I think most people looking at me would see little difference. I’m still the same anxiety-riddled woman most people know me to be, and they’re not wrong. It’s a battle I fight every day, but the difference is that I’ve changed what happens when the fear sets in.
I no longer look for the negatives at every turn.
I don’t wallow in helplessness; instead, I push through while finding glimpses of joy that guide me back into the light.
This changed focus has helped me successfully navigate a major flood and cope with significant health challenges in our household. It’s also helped me become a more skilled writer and a gentler person overall.
My life is ever-changing, and I face many unknowns as I age. I fight a constant battle of “what ifs” with each anxious thought because years of living this way have conditioned me to do so, but I don’t wallow in it. More importantly, I don’t accept it.
If I could pass on one thing, hoping to make life easier for others, it would be to stop giving in to negativity as if you are lifelong friends. If you already see the world through positivity, you’re ahead of many and are capable of anything.
However, I implore you to shift your focus if you can’t find a way out of the darkness or uneasiness when tackling issues. Invite yourself to name the things you’re grateful for. Take stock of what stories you’re spinning that aren’t true anywhere else but in your head. And ask yourself if staying negative is serving you.
Today, I’m facing COVID — again after two years — and after the first round left me with long COVID for three months, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit this time has been scary, but doing the work to achieve love-based states, like feeling freedom, confidence, and gratitude, has given me ample moments of calm.
I’m not the same person I was five years ago. At least, not toward myself, anyway. I’ve matured and love myself more — and that’s worth celebrating.
Drabble anyone? For those following me on Medium, you’ll notice that the stakes for creativity have intensified with difficult daily words and, at times, non-sensical prompts, but we writers do what we can.
Yesterday, the daily word was “egg.” We were asked to write a drabble and a half (150 words). Through my writing, I created a novel idea. Have a look. I’m sure you’ll agree.
This Idea is Going to Go Viral
I’m on the mend. I’m hoping everyone enjoys good health and positive thoughts.
Until next month, cheers!
Just one more comment. I think this would be stronger, and more helpful to those stuck in their thoughts, if you could share a method or link to a method/s that you found helpful.
Excuse me, ma’am, did you say nonsensical? 🤣🤣🤣🤣