If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. – Lao Tzu

Our minds can be our worst enemies. As I indicated in the video, I’ve suffered from anxiety and bad ruminating thoughts most of my life. I had no idea I had the power to correct course until I was in my early 30s. This week our Get Real challenge is to focus on our awareness and our thoughts. If you’re like me and they tend to run away from you, realize you can rein them back in.

A few of my favorite books that have helped me with the present moment and redirecting my thoughts away from the negative:

Listening Below the Noise by Anne D. LeClaire
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston, MD
A New Earth: Awakening to your life’s purpose by Eckhart Tolle
Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef

What are some things we can do as we journal and keep track of our thinking this week?
-Notice how you react to situations, good and bad and how you let that effect your mood
-Trying to wake up and go to bed with gratitude and joy no matter what’s happened during the day
-Not labeling a meeting, situation or day as “good” or “bad” only that it is what it is and bring ourselves fully to every interaction
– Breathe deeply and redirect our thinking if we notice we are having ruminating thoughts

If you find that the thinking is truly effecting our life in negative ways, ask for help from a loved one to seek mental health advice from a therapist or psychologist. Depression, severe anxiety and other mental disorders could be greatly helped by professional support so don’t be afraid to ask! Your life is worth it.

Do you have tips for keeping your thoughts in check? If so, leave them in comments and thanks for being a part of my Get Real year.

xo