How the heck do I create a positive mindset?

A few weeks ago a client asked me if I could write a blog about cultivating a positive mindset.

I had to think about this for a little bit. Do I know how to do that? Cultivate a positive mindset to get through rough patches or just life in general? This forced me to think about the quality of my thoughts and what my self talk really is. The immediate answer was "no Megan, you don’t know how to do that, you’re a piece of sh*t!"

This then led me to slow myself down to contemplate the quality of my thoughts on a daily basis. What are they? No matter if I think I’m a positive person, do my thoughts align? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But if they are out of alignment, I do know how to fix it and how you can too! (keep reading :)

I am very hard on myself. I blame myself consciously and unconsciously for things not going right. And if you're like most people, you probably do too. It’s hard to surrender to the fact that things will workout because as many times as I have trusted my gut, God or the universe has said “NOPE this ain’t for you sister!” Leaving me with a taste of bitter disappointment and angst in my mouth.

It’s normal to have negative thoughts and a more pessimistic point of view on life. It’s a defense mechanism we adapt as humans to protect us from getting hurt. We adapt a hypervigilant awareness to seek out all possible threats to save us from death. Sounds dramatic I know... but it’s true.

When we expect and prepare ourself for the worst to happen, we aren’t surprised, upset, or disappointed if it does occur and relieved when it doesn't. 

But like, have you ever run into a person on the street who is just overly optimistic and happy and high on life just to wonder what the heck kind of juice they’ve been drinking and where can you get some?! Can you remember a time where you felt happy and high on top of the world? Do you want to get back to that space?

Well, I know what that secret juice is and can tell you where to get it so you can become happier an healthier. There are many fancy garnishes you can add onto, into and on top of the juice just like a fancy bloodymary...but the juice is the most important.

What is the juice?

Gratitude.

Having a gratitude practice, not just being grateful is the sweet sweet juice you need in order to cultivate a positive mindset. 

Wether you’re stuck in a shitty relationship, stuck in a rut, unhappy with your body, or just need a little more positivity in your life, a gratitude practice is the answer.

So, what does this look like? Great question.

1. Pick 10 things you’re grateful for. 7 that are consistent, and 3 that are new on a daily basis.
2. Count them on your fingers, or even better, write them in a journal.
3. Do it right before you go to bed
4. Commit to 30 days and see how your life changes.

 These steps are all intentional because when we go to bed, our brain remembers the last thing we put into it. When we pick three new things daily that we are grateful for, it forces us to create new neural pathways in our brain which means it will train our brain to seek out more positive things throughout the day. And last but not least, having something tangible like beans or writing allows the practice to become a meditation.

I personally love a separate journal dedicated to gratitude because then I can look back on all of the things I am grateful for. I have even made a specific gratitude journal for people and given it to them as a gift 6-8months later after working on it!

And 30 days? Because nothing happens over night! Commit to and be the change you want to see in yourself and in your life.

Peace and love.

Megan Wren  

Megan Wren is a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Fitness Expert, Poet, Author, and Performing Artist. You can find her on instagram at @itsmeganwren