Our Thoughts Matter

Hello All,

Happy summer! I hope you are resting and finding happiness every day. I have thought of ya’ll a lot this summer, specifically when running a quick errand to the store. I have remembered to have a positive attitude and believe that the lines will open up for me, like the sea parting! Before heading to the store I remind myself that everyone there is shopping just like me and that his or her time is just as valuable.

The first time I tried this things actually went pretty smooth. I got right in and right out. I felt great and took a few moments to enjoy feeling good and remembering to reach for just a better belief/thought about the experience.

So, excitedly, the next time I ran for something quick at the store I had a great feeling about it and I kept that positive feeling as I ran into the store. I got my items and even found the express line to only have one customer. Yeah! Life is good. Except, not so much for the lady in front of me. Her card was declined and she was looking through her purse. She seemed unorganized and frustrated. So, I started to get frustrated. I mean really, you are in the express lane. However, this time I was able to catch myself right away. I did actually relax my muscles and took a few deep breaths. While doing this I heard her mention that she was sorry but she was just a little unsettled. She is traveling to California with her three grand kids and they have been talking non-stop for two days! I am sorry, but I just had to laugh inside. I was able to picture this non-stop laughing and talking inside the car as the grandma is trying to drive and maneuver through several states.  I was then looking so differently at her. Instead of being upset with her, I felt both envy and pity at the same time. Either way, I enjoyed the thoughts and pictures conjured up in my head!

I learned a very important lesson that day. My expectations are now positive each time. If, and when, I start to realize I am feeling impatient or frustrated I can catch it pretty quickly. Then the choice is mine. Every time I choose to feel better, I do! Really. Every time!l

I have to be honest, I have found myself not choosing to feel better at times. It’s kind of like I feel justified feeling bad. This person or event really deserves it! Really! However, I am starting to realize that holding on to that feeling does not usually turn out well for me. I usually end up in several more frustrating situations and eventually realize I need to stop the madness! I do have control over my thoughts and beliefs. When I choose to feel just a bit better, I can. From there I can reach the next good feeling. Before you know it, peace and calm rule!

I am anxious to hear if any of you guys have practiced thinking through a frustrating situation this summer. Dr. Gentry taught us to stop and think. Are we really in danger? If not, then we have control of our thoughts. The environment has no control over how we are feeling. Do not give your power away.