Think about, thank about, bring about

What we think about, we bring about. Our experiences are reflections of our thoughts whether they are good, bad or mediocre. So why not practice thinking good thoughts; thinking from a place of gratitude?

Here’s another quote for you “What we appreciate, appreciates.” Oh, I love this one. The more we appreciate the world around us –  from the people to our homes, communities, food, cars and our own skin, the more we will have to appreciate about each and every one.

The opposite is true too – if we constantly bemoan our too small house with the run down pipes, too small bathrooms and rug that looks old and dirty, we will see and experience more and more problems with our home and even create a feeling of living a too small and run down life.

I always think about that seemingly ‘cute’ t-shirt parents used to buy their toddlers back in the 90’s. It said “Here comes trouble!” Now, I know it’s meant tongue in cheek – I DO have a sense of humor. But really, if we label this kid as ‘trouble,’ even if it’s true, guess what behavior he will emulate? Trouble. Guess what we begin to expect from him? Trouble.

Why not expect the best. Focus on the good stuff? The great qualities?

What we think about, we bring about. If you focus only on your wife’s recent weight gain, that’s what you see. You’ll notice her graying hair, her wrinkles and her annoying habits will suddenly become all consuming. Never mind her kind nature, her adoration, her hard work, her love, her smart wit and her charming way with your friends. What you think about, you bring about.

We all tend to do this. We are human. It’s easy to fall into negative self-talk, a bad mood or to allow shitty situations to take us down. Your gratitude practice will help so much with the falls and the negativity. When we choose thoughts from a place of gratitude and appreciation – we bring more things to be grateful for into our lives.

I’ve been writing about gratitude for a long time in my journals. Most recently, I’ve written about it here on this blog for the past 29 days. Writing and writing. Feeling and feeling. Sharing and sharing gratitude. And guess what? I get to write MORE. I haven’t done much other than feel gratitude in my bones for getting to write for this site and appreciation to all of you who choose to read my words. From this, I’ve attracted two additional writing opportunities into my life.

It’s not magic, it’s not ‘Woo Woo’ new age coincidence. It’s life. It’s getting back what we put forth. Think about, bring about. Think about how lovely your home is and how it gives you warmth, shelter and a place to enjoy your family and friends and your home will continue to provide you with these things more and more every day.

Focus on your son’s kindness. Focus on his ability to make you laugh. You will see more kindness from him and laugh even more. Focus on his lazy ways and his inability to remember to wash his face every day and what will you see? Dirty skin and potato chips left in the basement.

It’s true! Give it a try! Start having a look at something that is really bugging you today or tomorrow. First, just catch yourself thinking about the annoyance, frustration or ugliness of the situation. Keep a mental note about every time your thoughts go to the yuk.

Next, when you’re ready, see if you can focus on something good about the person, place or thing. Even though your car is older, does it still run well for you? Even though your back is bugging you and all you want to talk about is how much it hurts, can you still move around?

Bring attention to the good stuff. Bring attention to what does work. Find some positive. Change your thoughts to a new channel. The thankful channel. You will feel better. What we think about we bring about.

Right now I’m thinking about how much I love Carmel Collision ice cream. I’m hoping I will bring some about tonight…I’m kidding! Kind of. Think about, thank about, bring about. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

Does this work for you? If you focus on what you are thankful for, does more of it come into your life? Let me know in the comments below.

Oh my gosh! Only one day left of #30daysofgratitude? Don’t miss the last post tomorrow, or any YouKnowNeen for that matter.

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