Hi this is Sharon Bosworth teaching folks how to find a patch of calm in this crazy world.
Let's start by settling your mind so you can listen and process the affirmations you will be saying.
Find a comfortable spot or a relaxing place for you.
This can be your favorite chair,
Lying in your bed,
Driving,
Walking your favorite path,
Or just sitting outdoors.
If your mind is racing with busy thoughts,
Acknowledge them and let them go for now.
Drift away from your thoughts by taking three deep breaths.
Exhale through your mouth.
Pay attention to how the air feels filling up your lungs and then how it flows up your throat,
Across your tongue,
And through your lips as you exhale.
Notice the temperature of your surroundings,
The smells that are around you,
How your body feels as it makes contact with the surface below you.
Move your head from side to side or rotate your neck around in a circle.
Tighten your hands and relax them.
Wiggle your toes as you settle into your space.
Now think of something that brings you joy.
This can be an experience,
A hobby,
A person,
Or place.
Take a few moments to reminisce in details about how this makes you feel.
Remember the experience.
Hold on to these feelings as they fill you up.
Now that we're settled,
I'm going to start with affirmations for happiness and an explanation as to why they are important.
Then we'll repeat them together at the end.
Today I will smile.
Often we smile because we're happy.
Did you know that many times the reverse works too?
While nothing is foolproof,
Smiling does cause the brain to release dopamine that makes you happier.
So try smiling at yourself in the mirror in the morning or smiling at someone else throughout the day.
Today I will write down three things that I am appreciative of or grateful for.
Making a habit to be on the lookout for positive things is a game-changer.
If you appreciate the little things in your life,
Your attitude improves greatly.
Are you struggling on where to start to find small things you appreciate?
Try using your five senses.
Touch,
Sight,
Ear,
Smell,
And taste.
For example,
My dog's coat is soft.
The sunset is beautiful.
This song makes me happy.
The flowers smell good or the dinner tastes good.
Be sure to take time to actually write down what you're grateful for or note it in your phone.
This helps with forming a habit and makes the impact last longer.
Today I will do something kind for someone.
Performing acts of kindness promotes your overall well-being.
This can be as simple as giving someone a genuine compliment,
Holding a door,
Offering a meaningful thank you,
Grabbing a co-worker their favorite snack on the way to work,
Or helping someone that has a small need.
If you have time and resources,
Bigger gestures can be made,
But they're not necessary.
Sincerity is the key.
Today I will spend time with my family and friends.
Social interactions are important to your health.
Take a few minutes to call a friend or a family member.
Spend quality time with your family over dinner.
Make sure your devices are off.
Exercise together.
Run errands together.
Just take the time to spend time with your friends or your family.
Today I will identify a sense of purpose.
Having a meaningful long-term goal is good for your well-being.
While many people can quickly identify a sense of purpose,
Sometimes you must reflect on things you care about.
What matters the most to you?
Recognize your talents and use this all to do something that makes you happy.
Today I will exercise.
I know it's the four-letter word times two,
Yet regular exercise reduces stress and the feeling of anxiety.
The idea is to not over exert.
Five minutes of walking,
Stretching,
Or any type of movement can make an impact on your health.
Your overall health,
Which includes exercise,
Eating well,
And sleeping,
Has a great impact on your mood.
Today I will breathe deeply.
When you're feeling frustrated before becoming overwhelmed,
Angry,
Or upset,
Simply breathe.
Give yourself time to take a few deep breaths.
Time to think,
Is this really worth it or is this really as bad as I think?
Does this truly deserve my time?
And then proceed on with your day based on your answers.
Today I will not compare myself to others.
You are your own wonderful person that does not need to live up to anyone else's standards.
You have your own talents and strengths and you have faced your own challenges.
Besides,
You're comparing yourself to your perception of someone else.
That person has their own challenges and insecurities that you will never know.
Today I will avoid negative conversations.
Happiness is contagious.
Surrounding yourself with happy people increases your happiness.
So redirect conversations to positive things or limit the amount of time you spend with negative people.
Today I will acknowledge that feeling unhappy is normal.
Everyone experiences bad times.
It's a normal part of life.
Things happen.
Let yourself experience it for a time and then focus on what is making you unhappy and what you can do to recover.
These moments are important so that you can appreciate the good things in life.
So now that you understand what's behind the affirmations,
Let's say them together.
Repeat after me either out loud or in your head whatever makes you happy.
Today I will smile.
Today I will write down three things I am appreciative of or grateful for.
Today I will do something kind for someone else.
Today I will spend time with my family and friends.
Today I will identify a sense of purpose.
Today I will exercise.
Today I will breathe deeply.
Today I will not compare myself to others.
Today I will avoid negative conversations.
Today I will acknowledge that feeling unhappy is normal sometimes.
Well it seems that we have a full day so I'll let you get at it.
Remember that happiness does not mean you have it all.
It simply means that you're thankful for all you have.
Come visit me again if you need more inspiration.
This or one of my other practices will provide you with the encouragement needed for self-growth.
Namaste.
