Art

A friend of mine recently wrote an article about how creativity truly does help one to have a better mental outlook. It is said that you can never feel two emotions at the same time. You are sad or you are happy. By being creative and artistic you’re focusing on the task at hand, rather than focusing on your immediate emotions. Your mind is so focused on creating and doing, that you are able to let go of any anger, sadness or depression within. The next time you’re feeling anything but happiness sit down and play some music; color; journal; draw. Get your creative juices flowing and you never know what you will discover within.

Problems and Solutions #3

Problem: I worry too much about the past or future.
Solution: 1) Write in a full sentence your worry. 2) Now write down some options or solutions of what you can do to retrain this worry. For example, "I worry that I will not have enough money for rent." Solutions: "I can look for a new job." "I can borrow from a friend who has offered to help me before." "I have an opportunity to move into a cheaper apartment." 3) Practice meditation. 4) Focus on the present activity at hand. Make your life have a purpose and intention at this moment, today. Stop worring about what you have no control over. Focus on this moment and what you can do now.

The Olympics

One of my favorite sports to watch is Gymnastics. In order to get to the Olympics ones ability has to be great. It has been interesting watching some of the athletes and noticing that no matter how good their ability is their mind gets in the way of their success. We have seen people fall over and over again. We have seen people freeze up. Even if a person makes a physical mistake it is about calming and controlling the mind and not letting the past take over. The people who have won gold are people whom I have noticed have complete mental focus and concentration. All through out the Olympics, Nastia Liukin, US Gymnastics, has kept a very straight face and closes her eyes often to let go of what is going on around her.
This is a perfect example of how the power of the mind controls what we do and what happens in our lives.

Negative People

I recently met with someone who in my opinion was what I would call a negative person. This person was very self-centered and made it seem as though she was better than anyone else. She could do no wrong. Every statement and every opinion was very degrading towards myself and others.
I noticed that as I listened to her for about 10 minutes I zoned out. I nodded my head politely and then informed her that this meeting was over. Being critiqued is one thing, but being criticized is all together something else.
I have been practicing hypnotherapy for 6 years and in that time my awareness of the way people speak (negatively or positively) has grown. I have helped many people to improve their lives and live happily. I am aware of those that are mentally unhealthy and do not want help. So I walk away. It has taken years of practice, but I only allow positive people and people who want assistance into my life.
You can do the same. You do not have to spend time with unhappy, negative people. You choose who you spend time with. You only have control over your own thoughts, behaviors and beliefs.

The Power of the Mind

Every book I have ever read on self improvement, Law of Attraction, or hypnosis, talks about the last thing that you should focus on when you fall asleep and the first thing that you should focus on when you wakeup should be positive images of what you want. When you allow yourself to be in a place of unhappiness, anger or sadness this is what you receive. When you allow yourself to be in a state of happiness, joy and high esteem this is what you receive. Try it right now. Think of sadness and notice how your whole body and mind change to follow that emotion. Now think of a happy moment and notice how your body and state of mind shift to a more positive state. Only you can decide how you are going to live your life.
When I concentrate on receiving more growth in my business I get exactly that. When I complain and struggle and allow the hard times to take over, I stay in that negative place. I have seen the amazing changes that occur when one changes their state from negative to positive. The process is as easy as you want it to be.
Henry Ford said, "If you believe you can or you believe you can't, your right". Only you can decide whether your beliefs are going to lift you up or shut you down.

Habits

Some people believe that the habits they have, like smoking or over eating, are set behaviors and cannot be changed. Remember, we were not born with a set habit and do not have to die with that habit. We can change our habits if it is something that we want to change. I have met many people who say that they enjoy smoking so much that they do not want to give it up. I have also met people who say they enjoy smoking, but health and living a long life out weighs the want for the cigarette.
Think of a behavior that you want to change. Know that it takes approximately 21 days to change that behavior. Start small. Pick one thing that you want to work on. For instance, if you want to lose weight start by eating more fruits and vegetables and less junk food for the next three weeks. Once that healthy habit is set and unsonsciously occuring in your day to day life then move onto exercising consistently for three weeks. If your habit is still not set after three weeks, continue the conscious practice and in time the habit is so set that you do not even realize you're doing it.Changing behaviors and breaking poor habits takes time. Give your change time and enjoy the process all the way through.

Problem and Solution #2

Problem: I do not have time for myself.
Solution: 1) Get up a little earlier before the rest of the household. 2) Set 5-30 minutes for yourself in the evening after everyone has gone to bed. 3) Get a babysitter at least once a month for at least an hour at a time. 4) Set up a weekly or monthly date night away from the children with your significant other. 5) Use the time in the car when you’re driving to be alone and let go. 6) Go to church early or stay after when the church is quiet and spend some time with the Lord.