Thought For Today - July
 

Are You Cynical?

Are you a bit cynical about people? Maybe people have let you down and you haven't had positive experiences. But we're not inherently cynical and being cynical just makes us wary, preventing us from enjoying our relationships fully.

If you don't want to end up more cynical, practice being more trusting. Believe in the inherent goodness of others. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Practice trusting others, and be cautious when caution is called for, but avoid becoming cynical.

July 2

The Making Of An Apology

We're quick to apologize when we step on someone’s toe, or bump into someone, but what about when it really matters? Maybe, we're not so quick because apologizing when it matters, requires a dose of humility.

Humility enhances our capacity to reflect on our flaws, take responsibility for the effect of our actions, and frame our apology sincerely - all without devaluing ourselves.

Not only does it take humility to make an apology but it also takes humility to accept the apology.

July 3

No Time To Think

Do you feel like there’s no time to think? What do you do when something is urgent or important and you want to make it happen? You schedule it into your diary, squeeze it in, even when it seems like there’s no time.

So, understand the importance of thought and make time to think. Churn big questions or let your mind wander. If you really can't schedule time to think, squeeze it in when you take a shower or eat breakfast, or when you're walking or waiting - and make it happen.

Mind The Canvas

Your mind is a canvas, your thoughts are the brushes and your feelings and moods are the colors. What will you create on the canvas of your mind?

Just as you can paint your mind and create whatever you like, in the same way, the world is a canvas and your actions are the brushstrokes. What are you painting on the canvas of the world?

When You're Wrong

When you’re wrong, can you willingly admit it? It takes guts, but when you admit you are wrong and apologize, "I am sorry, I was wrong", it shows that you are taking responsibility. Admit you are wrong and you also create a culture of openness, where others can also feel free and comfortable to admit they are wrong.

Stop and Look

There are times when we need to stop and look back to mentally note what went well, what didn't, what we enjoyed and what lessons can be learned. Sometimes we need to pause and look around, notice what's around us and appreciate what surrounds us. And there are times when we need to look ahead and work out the next steps.

Look back, look around and look ahead. Find meaning, joy, purpose and hope. And let this propel you to move forward.

Complaining About The Weather

When it’s too hot, we complain, when it’s too wet, we complain, when it’s too cold, we complain, when it’s too windy, we complain. When it comes to the weather, there is always something to complain about. Complaining about the weather after all, is an easy conversation starter.

But complaining about the weather doesn't make a conversation interesting or create a positive energy. So what would happen if you didn't complain about the weather? Could you find something positive to say about the weather? Can you find an alternative interesting conversation starter? What would your conversations be without weather complaints?

Time Investments

Time is most valuable. Value time and you'll spend your time wisely. Spend your time and it’s gone, right? So, instead, invest your time to yield a higher return. Invest your time on things that matter. Invest it on things that bring you meaningful returns.

How will you make wiser time investments?

July 9

Know Your Stress

What causes you stress? Is it your job, a relationship, health, wealth.....? Or is it a demanding deadline, an overcrowded train, a throwaway comment.....?

To know your stress, try this:
- Take a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.
- In the first column, list your stressors, for example, presentations.
- In the second column, get specific about exactly why you feel stressed. So, if you’re giving a presentation, are you stressed about the audience, the use of technology, your performance?
- In the third column, brainstorm the solutions. Do you need some extra technical training or tips on how to calm your nerves?

Try this exercise; sometimes it unveils practical solutions and sometimes just knowing your stressors can mean that you don’t react so strongly to them next time.

July 10

Caught In The Shallow

Most of us get caught up in events and people, local and global, famous and not so famous. When we get caught in what is happening on the surface, often, it can make our connections shallow.

If you want to develop deeper connections, go from shallow to deep. Go deep, be deep and see the depth in everyone and everything. Look for the deeper meaning in the world around you, and you may experience life differently.

Traveling Everyday

Everyday we travel from 'A' to 'B'. When you go from one place to another, do you travel as if you're on a:
- Journey: Persevere through the delays & enjoy the journey, even if it's not pleasant.
- Voyage: Encounter each moment with curiosity & make it a discovery, an adventure.
- Pilgrimage: Infuse actions with intention & heart & make them meaningful & sacred.

Feelings in Relationships

There are times when we feel fear, guilt, hurt, insecurity and jealousy in our relationships. When these feelings drive our relationships, our relationships are not so happy.

The next time you’re not happy with how you are in your relationships, shift to love. You are love and you are loved. With love, navigate your feelings and work through them. Be who you want to be in your relationships.

Think Differently to Make a Difference

There are many things we can do to make a positive difference in the world. So, think about what more you can do to make a difference.

Did you know that your thoughts also have a considerable impact on the world? They really do. For example, if you have angry thoughts, it feeds the anger in the world. So, think about the impact your thoughts have on the world. Also consider how to think differently to make an even greater difference.

Let Yourself Hum

Ever catch yourself humming? Hum, because it triggers relaxation and also boosts your mood. Hum your favorite song or hum a happy tune or hum the tune that's stuck in your head. Hum, even if you're out of tune or don't know the entire tune.
Let yourself hum and let your good mood escape and flow into your world.

What You Believe About Yourself

Do you believe you can't do something? What makes you believe this? What we believe about ourselves often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, so, don't believe everything you believe.

Identify what you believe about yourself that's limiting, negative and simply not true; and then challenge what you believe and change it to something positive, something empowering.

July 16

It's Time For Downtime

We all need a bit of downtime, and if it's getting relegated to the sidelines, here’s a reminder to reserve time for downtime.

How you use your downtime depends on what you need at that time. Nap, read, sketch or just sit and do nothing, but do give yourself the space to recover and recharge your batteries.

Carve out some time daily, weekly or monthly, perhaps plan for some downtime when you come out of a busy period or finish a big project. Just remember, downtime isn’t wasting time, so enjoy it, guilt free - you deserve it!

July 17

Are You Should-ing?

"I should exercise more." "I should eat healthier." "I should do more." The word "should" isn't negative but the way we use it, has a negative tone.

Think about replacing "should" with something that's more encouraging and empowering. How about, "I would like to...." or "I will...."

Stop should-ing and start creating a more positive and motivating tone.

Where Attention Goes

Where attention goes, energy flows, and where energy flows, things grow. So, let your attention go to what is good and positive, and your appreciation will grow. And as appreciation grows, happiness flows.

Where is your attention going, right now?

Need a Holiday after a Holiday?

Do you need a holiday, after a holiday? Yes? Maybe your holidays are too busy? Jam-packed with lots of activities? Of course, many of us want our holidays to be exciting and adventurous. But busy holidays are not necessarily restful and relaxing. Relaxing and taking it easy; isn't that what holidays are about?

What works for you? What do you find renewing; so that you return feeling refreshed, without needing a holiday after a holiday!

Three Fingers Pointing Back to You

You've heard the saying, "When you point one finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing right back at you." When we point at another’s shortcomings and wrong doings, and blame the other person, the three fingers pointing back at us remind us to look at ourselves.

Reflect on your own shortcomings, your actions and in-actions, and take responsibility. Recognize the other person's input in what went wrong and deal with the situation constructively. But we can do this without pointing the finger at someone else and playing the blame game.

Staying in the Loop

Are you in the loop? Information is power, so we want to stay in the loop. It gives us a feeling of inclusion and belonging, and it also increases our effectiveness and opportunities.

Improve the flow of communication and get the information you need. Stay in the loop and keep others in the loop.

Less Drama, More Calmer

Every now and then we get caught up in life and the drama of it all. For the times when you need a break from it all, try this: Imagine you're watching the drama of your life on TV. As you watch your drama, slowly begin to step back from it all.

Become more of an observer of the drama in your life, and you'll start to:
- Realize that there is a larger perspective, a bigger storyline, and that you are not defined by the current episode in your life.
- Feel less dramatic, more calm, ready to step out with confidence and curiosity because who knows where the next episode will take you.

July 23

What's Your Agenda?

We all have personal agendas. They inform everything we do. But often we ourselves are not aware of what they are. So check, why you do, what you do.

Be clear about your own agenda. If it's not what you want it to be, then either drop your agenda or change it to something positive.

July 24

Being A Busy Bee

Now there's nothing wrong with being a busy bee. But as you buzz around, what are you collecting? Things that weigh you down or make you buoyant?

Now just as bees don’t waste their time and energy collecting useless things, be like a bee. Collect what’s useful and stay buoyant.

Free Your Mind

Throughout the day we accumulate lots of information, details and emotions. And when we go to bed, all of these things spin around in our minds while we sleep. No wonder we wake up tired.

What if, at the end of the day, you take a few moments to free your mind from all that you've accumulated through the day? Drop all the unnecessary information. Put aside all the important details, and come back to them tomorrow. Put your emotions on paper, and decide to resolve them at a more convenient time. Finally, ask yourself, what benefit did I take from today? End on a positive note, get a restful sleep and wake up refreshed.

When You Walk

When you walk, instead of combining it with the usual thinking, thinking and thinking, try something different:
- Observe the way you walk. Observe your pace.
- Be aware of the movement of your body. Be aware of how the body feels.
- Notice your surroundings and what’s going on around you.

Observe, notice, and be more aware as you walk, and it might clear your mind and make you more present.

Make More Lists

We make lists, from the never ending to-do list to shopping lists, music playlists, or even a bucket list. It makes sense because lists are simple & create a sense of order. They help us remember things & stay organized, & that makes life a lot easier.

If, like me, you love making lists, make more lists. You can create lists of:
- Your favorite places to visit, favorite foods to eat or cook.
- Your most memorable childhood memories, your most embarrassing moments.
- The best decisions you’ve ever made, the best pieces of advice you’ve ever received.

Be Like Grass

Just as grass grows back after mowing or grazing, be like grass and keep growing, no matter what.

And just as grass adapts to the different seasons, be like grass and adapt. In summer, let everything facilitate your growth. In autumn, just as the trees and the leaves contrast the grass, let others complement your potential. In winter, when nothing seems to be happening, rest and regroup, so you are ready for the next burst of energy that comes with spring.

Grow and adapt to life's changing seasons like grass.

Have A Go

Do you have the confidence to turn your hand to whatever is thrown at you? Or do you only do things when you’re absolutely certain you can do them?

Why not have a go at things you've never explored or done before, or even tasks you think you may not be good at. If it doesn't turn out as expected, cut yourself some slack and give yourself permission to make mistakes. If you do better than you expected, feel good about yourself.

Have the confidence to have a go. Give it a go and you may just end up gaining more confidence.

July 30

Unplugging Your Expectations

Expecting the best of others is definitely a better option than the alternative.

But when people don’t live up to your expectations, how do you react? Now, you can't expect people to fit into your expectations, can you? Unplug from your expectations and accept people as they are. If need be, readjust your expectations to something more reasonable and realistic.

Expect the best of others but relate and interact with them as they are rather than how you want them to be.

July 31

Savoring Delicious Moments

Have you had any delicious moments today? Moments you've really savored?
A morning drink, a good meal, a favorite activity....?

How about savoring, not only the enjoyable things in life, but also the difficult and the unpleasant? When you savor, you immerse yourself in what's happening, in what you're doing, and you start to notice and appreciate the little details, the textures, the flavors. Then something that was difficult or unpleasant becomes something enjoyable.

Savor and you create delicious moments.