Lately, I have been thinking of some of my favorite words, but not just the words themselves; I am thinking about the attitude behind these words. Let me share some of them with you. This list, which I refer to often, forces me to ask myself some really tough questions and also provides me with the opportunity for plenty of self-talk (the positive variety, of course.)
• Attitude–What is my attitude?
• Health–Am I working on it?
• Peace–Am I at peace with myself and others around me?
• Joy–Do I spread joy to others?
• Love–Do I live it?
• Integrity–Am I completely honest with myself and with others?
• Thrift–Have I been thrifty?
• Blessings–Do I count them daily?
• Balance–Am I really living a life that is balanced?
• Opportunity–Do I seize them when they come my way?
• Enthusiasm–Am I approaching challenges with enthusiasm?
• Commitment–Am I giving up when I should be sticking to it?
• Leadership–Am I a leader, first at home, and then at work?
• Priorities–Are mine in the proper order?
• Forgiveness–Do I forgive others as I have been forgiven?
Now, obviously, when I go through this list, these words do not immediately result in my feeling very positive. At first, I may feel guilty or angry with myself for failing to live up to my own expectations. But then I remember that I can begin the process of changing the negatives into positives by using positive self talk. For instance, when I realize that I am wanting to give up on something or someone, I tell myself, "I am not a quitter! I will not quit!" Or when I realize that I have been less than enthusiastic about doing something, I affirm myself with, "Act enthusiastic and you'll be enthusiastic!"
I encourage you to make your own list of words that represent the kind of person you want to be and the qualities you want to focus on in your own life. And when you feel you've done less then your best, give yourself a GOOD talking too!
