Last updated on May 23rd, 2023 at 10:26 am
Combining gratitude with positive affirmations is one of my secrets for turning negative thoughts into positives.
Daily, I make it a habit to write down what I am grateful for and accompany it with a positive statement. Sometimes, I even transfer these affirmations onto small cards that I carry with me as reminders throughout the day. Or, if I am going through a particularly rough patch, I might choose to write them on my bathroom mirror or the flip mirror on the car’s sun visor.
By putting pen to paper and acknowledging the good in my life, I give my thoughts a tangible form. Staring at these written words allows me to see the endless possibilities that exist. Instead of dwelling on my shortcomings or what isn’t working, I focus on the potential for positive change.
Sharing with myself all the wonderful and beautiful aspects of my life within this thrilling world we inhabit fills me with hope and a renewed passion for the future. Practicing gratitude and highlighting the positives in my life helps me manifest a better future.
Moreover, I recognize that I cannot inspire others if feelings of melancholy are consuming me. Although I do experience periods of doubt, sadness, and disappointment, I will always strive to transform that energy. Finding ways to shift my perspective enables me to share what works with the girls I inspire who may find themselves in a dark emotional mindset.
Learning from negative experiences and utilizing them as catalysts for personal growth makes us stronger and capable of achieving more. Challenges become instruments of change, propelling us forward. If we were always comfortable, we would never take steps toward progress.
The way we perceive change determines whether it is positive or negative.
Overcoming adversity resonates with everyone. We all seek reassurance that someone out there has survived what we have endured and managed to create a better life.
I aspire to be that person.
To remind myself to take the time for gratitude and continuous practice, I surround myself with individuals who believe in my dreams and support me. When I align myself with positive-minded people, I am infused with the belief that success is attainable and that I can overcome it.
If you lack positive influences in your life, consider searching YouTube for inspirational videos to listen to. For instance, you can find Louise Hay’s “I Can Do It” – You Can Heal Your Life Daily Affirmations full audiobook on YouTube. It can be a source of motivation and encouragement.
My 5 favorite quotes that I use to turn around negative thoughts:
1. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. – William Arthur Ward
2. If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you. – Calvin Coolidge
3. I have made it a rule of my life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy… you can’t build on it; it’s only good for wallowing in. – Katherine Mansfield
4. I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another, or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present. – Rabindranath Tagore
5. Negativity can only feed on negativity. – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
If I could be there with you on your dream journey, I would be your biggest cheerleader. I encourage you to pursue your dreams relentlessly, even if it means starting over a hundred times. Never give up and refuse to surrender to the negative mindset that holds you back. Imagine me standing by your side, affirming that you have the strength and ability to achieve greatness.
I wholeheartedly believe you possess all it takes to realize your dreams.
This week, make it a priority to counteract any negative thoughts with written affirmations and expressions of gratitude. Spread them everywhere you can, like little reminders of the positivity and potential that exist within you.
Let these affirmations guide your path and inspire you to embrace the power of gratitude in transforming your life. I know you can do it!
Sue Levy is the founder of the South African Just Pursue It Blog and Inspirational Women Initiative. She’s a motivational writer and media designer, who is obsessed with everything inspirational with a hint of geek. She thrives on teaching women how to be brave and take big chances on themselves. You can find Sue on her Twitter page @Sue_Levy.
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