Healthy Choice #4

WATCH YOUR WORDS

Here’s a challenge for you. Begin to become aware of the words you are choosing. Even in your thoughts.

Are you using the type of language that is uplifting? Helpful and empowering? Words that encourage and support, bringing peace?

Or do the words you choose, exaggerate stress, increase anxiety, cause division and maybe even perpetuate gossip?

The Bible says “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart? Are you speaking health, life and blessing into the lives of those who surround you? And what about your own life?

‘Watch Your Words’ and you may be surprised what you discover. Changing your life, may be as simple as choosing to change the words you speak.

Healthy Choice #3

BE STILL

The world wants you to hurry, hurry, hurry; but I am asking you, even imploring you, to choose to Be Still. Stop with the madness. Don’t you realise, that what your body, mind and spirit require as a deepest need, is time to Be Still.

No screens. No music. No reading. No distractions. Not even meditation. Nothing…

Just quiet time with your thoughts. Time to stop. Time to evaluate. Time to listen.

What do you hear? What do you feel? What does your body, mind or spirit desire to communicate? Listen for those whispers. Listen for that still, small voice.

This world can be a crazy place, and it keeps getting crazier. But you don’t have to go with the crazy. You can choose another path. A different way of being. A way of Peace.

You can choose to ‘Be Still’.

Healthy Mind #5

OBSERVE YOUR THOUGHTS

One of the incredible abilities of the human mind, is its capacity to both, think and observe thought, simultaneously. This is often referred to as ‘Metacognition’, which is simply defined as ‘Thinking about thinking’. But why is this important? And what can we do with this awareness?

Firstly, it is important, because this ability to become aware of our thoughts, and observe them, unbiasedly, creates a space where those thoughts can be recognised, and either challenged or accepted. This distance often proves beneficial, as it can provide much needed clarity, an important foundation for any healthy and lasting change.

Secondly, the practice of metacognition, a skill that we can develop and refine over time, gives us greater knowledge and understanding of our thought patterns. Why, when and what are our triggers, habits, loops, default, etc. This awareness can be an absolute game changer, if you choose to use it.

I say, if you choose to use it, because; to use it, you need to be willing to accept responsibility for those thoughts, actions and behaviours. Which, quite honestly, many just won’t do. But, if you will, you are choosing to go from powerless, to powerful. Taking back control. No longer at the mercy of your mind.

Always remember, ‘The mind is a good servant, but it’s a terrible master.’

Healthy Choice #2

STOP…. THINK…. SPEAK

Of all the things in your life that are out of your control, I’m here to tell you, what you say is not one of them. As much as you might like to make excuses like; ‘she made me say it’, ‘what was I suppose to do, say nothing?’ or maybe ‘he made me so angry, it’s not my fault I started yelling.’ Whether you like it or not, we are all responsible for what comes out of our mouths.

That’s why I wanted to share this simple strategy with you. These 3 little words have changed the way I communicate. Stop. Think. Speak.

STOP. You have control over what words you speak, and also when you speak them. Start to use that control. A fool blurts out all they know. Don’t. Use your words wisely. Stop speaking without thought. Train yourself to ‘Stop’.

THINK. Next step is to ‘Think’. Think about what response would be most beneficial in the moment. Think about the outcome you desire, and what words best facilitate that outcome.

SPEAK. Now you can ‘Speak’. When you have actively engaged your conscious mind, and thoughtfully constructed your language, clearly express your thought, need or desire.

Like any new skill this takes practice, but in a world full of meaningless conversation this is definitely a skill worth developing. Please understand, the words you use, and when you use them are completely within your control. No-one can make you say anything. It’s all you. Take responsibility for your words. Maybe it’s time you chose to ‘Stop – Think – Speak’.

Healthy Hint #5

DO HARD THINGS

Today’s world, especially in the West, enjoys comfort like no other time in history. So much is at our fingertips, conveniences that would have been unimaginable in previous centuries, or even decades. But is it all for our good? Or is there a downside?

With that in mind, there is an aspect of this luxury we need to consider. Too much comfort, too much convenience, can have the negative effect by making us less tolerant and more sensitive to any perceived discomfort.

There is a simple solution to this dilemma; ‘Do Hard Things’. What do I mean by this? If we are to continue to, not only grow, but flourish in 2025, in this era of unprecedented convenience, we must find new ways to challenge our minds and bodies. Ways to experience discomfort, pushing ourselves out of our little comfortable existence.

‘Doing Hard Things’ is going to look different for each and every one of us. What I consider hard, may be simple for you. But whatever you choose to do, must be done. Our brains and bodies thrive on the novel. Different information, experiences, movement, exercise, challenges.

In my case, it has been introducing cold water immersion into my routine. Cold water has never been my favourite. But that’s the point. It’s all about the discomfort. Putting your mind, brain and body in a position of challenge. And when we do this, change takes place. Physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.

No matter what you decide to do, remember it has to be uncomfortable. It’s all about the discomfort. Don’t let comfort become a cage. ‘Do Hard Things’.

Healthy Mind #4

CULTIVATE A RESILIENT MIND

Today’s world is one of constant change and challenges. To enable us, not only grow, but to thrive in these current surroundings, it is crucial that we consciously begin to cultivate a resilient mindset.

What is Resilience? Put simply, it is ‘the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties,’ ‘mental and/or physical toughness,’ ‘the ability to bounce back’ or to ‘adjust easily to change.’ Let me share with you a few easy ways to promote and build a more resilient you.

  1. Laughter and Play; remember to add some laughter and play back into your every day. Whether it’s watching a comedy, chatting with a friend or playing a game, take the time to laugh and play. It relieves stress, creates a positive outlook, and strengthens resilience.
  2. Mindful Walking; take a mindful walk. What is that? The practice of walking with the intention of connecting to this present moment. Take a short walk, focusing on your surroundings. Bringing attention to your breath, the sensations in your body, an awareness of what you can see, hear and smell. Experience this moment. And as your body releases the stress, you will find your mental clarity increases.
  3. Set Clear Healthy Boundaries; This one can be as easy or hard as we choose to make it. But the fact is, setting clear healthy boundaries, in both our professional and personal lives, can and does reduce stress, prevents burnout, and contributes to a more resilient mindset.

In closing, I want to encourage you that resilience is a skill, and like any skill, the more you practise the better you get. Remember if at first you don’t succeed, get up and have another go. That’s resilience…