Nickels, Dimes, and Quarters Can Change Your Perspective

I get asked quite often how self-awareness and being mindful of your thoughts can help change your perspective...the answer is pretty simple: what you think about, you manifest. So, if you beat yourself up with negative self-talk, find yourself on the hamster wheel of complaining and whining about everything, or make judgments for everything under the sun, you'll continue to find more of the same to occupy your thoughts and words.

However, if you stay in your own lane and concentrate on yourself, reframe negative thoughts and words, and practice gratitude, you'll find more positive thoughts, words, and actions leading to a more enriching and satisfying life.

It's like the story of the man moving to a new location for his job; as he's talking with the ferryman, he asks him what the people were like on the island. The ferryman asks him what the people were like where he comes from, and the man replies, "Horrible; that's why I'm moving away. The people are backstabbers and unfriendly." The ferryman paused and stated, "I'm afraid you'll find the island much the same way."

Later in the afternoon, a woman stands at the railing holding onto her hat. She shares her excitement about reaching the island with the ferryman. After explaining that she was moving to the island, she asked the ferryman what the people were like there. He asked her what were they like where she comes from. She replied, "Everyone feels like family. When you walk down the street, people wave and say hello. I never thought I'd ever move away, but life often takes us in new directions. I'm really going to miss everyone." The ferryman smiled and assured her, "Don't worry. You are going to find the people are just as caring and kind on the island."

Our experiences often align with our expectations. This is why it's so important to be self-aware and mindful of our thoughts. So, I've got a bit of a challenge for you today that provides a visual lesson to get you started on being self-aware.

First, let's start the first 30-day challenge by creating a money jar habit for your thoughts, words, and actions. You'll need two jars; designate one for positive thoughts, words, and action, and the other jar for negative thoughts, words, and actions. Make it fun by decorating the jars and distinguishing the positive jar from the negative jar.

You will be developing a self-awareness practice by monitoring your thoughts, words, and actions for the next 30 days. You will deposit nickels, dimes, and quarters into the jars as you differentiate your positive and negative thoughts, words, and actions.

Whenever you think of a negative thought, place a nickel in the jar. Whenever you say something that is negative out loud, place a dime in the jar, and whenever your actions are negative, add a quarter to the jar. Negative actions may include cutting someone off in traffic, not holding the door for someone, gossiping, or neglecting your own self-care practices.

At the same time, whenever you have a positive thought, place a nickel in the jar. Whenever you say something that is positive, including complimenting someone, place a dime in the jar, and whenever your actions are positive, add a quarter to the jar. Positive actions can range from participating in self-care practices, doing random acts of kindness, to sending a note of gratitude to a family member or friend.

Watch your jars fill up with change. Which jar has the most money in it?

This will help you to reshape the way you think into a positive framework.

At the end of 30 days, count the money in each jar. Journal about the experience. How did it feel to see the coins in the jars? What did you learn about yourself? What expectations do you have and what perspective you'd like to nurture?

To learn more about creating an Intentional Life, I invite you to read my book A House With Four Rooms: A Guide to Living an Intentional Life with Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellbeing

Until next time,

Lisa

P.S. I'd love to hear how you do with this 30-day challenge! Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/coachlisamcgrath