How Do HaPpY People Think?

Every single person, at some point in their life experiences a low time.   Some people bounce back quickly, others "get in a funk" while others make it a lifestyle.  Is there some common thread woven through the lives of those who bounce back quickly or always seem happy?  You bet!  The common thread could be scientific or chemical and of course, there are research studies to support this BUT I think we could all agree that the ability to "spin" something that seems negative is a skill that HAPPY people practice.  

How does this "spin" occur?  First, you must have an awareness of your current thought patterns.  If you don't have the ability to look at yourself honestly and inspect your thoughts, you are likely stuck in a pattern of reactive thoughts.  These thoughts are based on your beliefs ~ and most people don't have a clue what they are.  

Exploring your beliefs is critical in the process of change.  So, next you should spend some time mapping some of your actions to uncover "why did I do that?"  For example, if you must make your bed or your day is ruined ~ there is a belief that you "should" act a certain way or you are not ok.  In fact, most of our behaviors are not chosen, they are habitual and they come from someone who influenced us in the past.  The really cool thing about exploring your beliefs is you get to decide which ones you want to keep and you can change the others and create your own life.

Then, finally comes practice of your new beliefs and reprogramming the thoughts that will support your new way of life.  Practice is a must because usually when someone is ready for this change ~ the thoughts related to the old beliefs are automatic and trick us into reacting the same old way.  This can create a sense of sadness or powerlessness that can lead to the "funk" or lifestyle of unhappiness.  

So, positive self-talk, reframing automatic thoughts and checking yourself often is key to creating new positive automatic thoughts that "spin" negative events so you can practice HaPpY.  I encourage the practice to occur on paper so you can see the patterns related to automatic thoughts because it is very difficult to see, sort and reframe all in your mind.  Putting this on paper allows you to become more objective and you can even become your own therapist.   We can all solve others problems ~ because we remove the emotional connection and look for the solutions.  This can magically happen when the problem is honestly taken to the paper.  

So, if you are looking to be a "spin master" get started by putting these suggestions to use.   Feeling stuck or questions regarding next steps, feel free to message me on Facebook.