Thought For Today - September

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Saying I Don't Know

Did you know that saying “I don't know” when you don't know something, actually makes you look confident, not incompetent? Saying “I don't know” gives you the chance to know more and learn something new.

But do you say “I don’t know” by default? Out of habit, laziness or low confidence? You probably do have the answer and the know-how that's needed.

Know when to confidently say “I don’t know” and when not to.

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Life is like Baking

Many things in life are like baking.

Baking cakes, pies, biscuits, bread.... it's a messy process. And when you're in the in-between stages, it often also looks a mess. But when it comes out of the oven, it looks good and tastes good. Even if it doesn't look good, it still tastes good. And if it doesn't taste good, you can always adapt the recipe or try again.

If where you are in life, right now, is looking a bit messy, say to yourself, "If it's not good now, it's because it's not the end yet!" And if it's still looking messy when you get to the end, it's OK; you can always adapt or try again.

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Stop Breaks

You know how busy you are, how busy your mind is, it's no wonder you're exhausted! Here is a simple exercise to integrate into your busy lifestyle - 10 second stop breaks.

Stop and meditate for 10 seconds. Stop at regular intervals through the day, every few hours or every hour. Stop & slow down, slow your breath, slow your thoughts and achieve a meditative state. Regain your energy, refresh your focus and then continue with your day.

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Everyday Greetings

Hi! Hola! Bonjour! Ni Hao! Ciao! Namaste! No matter where we are in the world, being greeted is like a ray of sunshine, it just lifts our spirits and gets a smile out of us. So why not bring a smile to others through a simple greeting?

The absence of a greeting may make the other person wonder if I’m upset with them or if they've done something to upset me. So as much as possible, don't wait for others to greet you, greet them first. And when you greet, make eye contact, smile and greet them by name (if you know it).

Go on, greet others around you, everyday.

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Forgive Yourself

Replaying your mistakes and failures over and over again doesn’t help you nor does it change what happened. To stimulate growth and positive change, you have to forgive yourself. This helps you learn from your mistakes and failures. Find the lesson, then put a full stop to the past and move on.

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First Thoughts

Whatever you are experiencing in your mind now, is what you put in there earlier on. Let your first thoughts of the day simply be peaceful. Fill your mind with peace and your mind will give you an experience of peace in return. Through the day, remind yourself of your morning thoughts of peace, and move on in the same direction till the end of the day. If obstacles come your way, don’t let it block your peace.

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Is Anything Original?

Is anything ever original? Art, films, books.... Rarely is something absolutely original.

Even these 'Thought for Today's' are influenced by so many people, so many things. Ideas are borrowed, and then repackaged and reshaped; aligned to fit who we are.

Maybe we just need to embrace all the different influences to create something that fits who we are. Maybe that's what makes something original.

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3 Steps to Switch your Perspective

When life is tough, improve how you feel by switching your perspective in 3 steps.

First step: Feel good about life by thinking, life is lining up situations to maximise your potential. Where you are right now, is the best place for you.

Second step: Feel good about yourself by counting your success. Acknowledge what you are already doing well and keep doing more of that.

Third step: Feel good about the future by noticing how life is looking out for you and supplying you with opportunities. Notice your response to it all and how things are improving. And keep going!

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Ask, Don't Tell

No one likes being told what to do! Tell someone what to do and their ears close and mind switches off. It comes across as if you’re ordering or demanding.

The next time you are ready to tell someone what to do, ask, don’t tell. Ask and you are extending respect to the other. It’s a much better way of communicating.

[bluidkiti]

Coach Your Couch Potato

Are you someone who isn’t very active? Sitting at a desk all day? Sitting on a couch when you get home?

If you’re a bit of a couch potato, coach yourself to get fit and more active. Make it easy by doing what you enjoy. Start small, 15 minutes a day and then build on it. Exercise with others and it may help you stay on track when your will begins to fade….

Peel away all the excuses you make not to get off the couch. Peel your inner couch potato and you’ll gain a lot more energy, better health, and your couch will probably last longer!

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Like the Lotus Flower

The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and resilience. Its roots are in the mud but it rises above the muddy waters, to grow into a pure, bright and beautiful flower.

Like the lotus flower, be grounded in the realities of life and let life enrich you to grow into something more beautiful.

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Positive Affirmation

Notice how many times you put yourself down during the day. Include what you think and say, even words spoken in jest. Pay particular attention to how you react to your mistakes and poor choices. Instead of putting yourself down, affirm positive messages about yourself. Treat yourself gently and with respect. You deserve it. Think of yourself as a child who is learning to walk; you need encouragement – not criticism.

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Coffee Break Wisdom

When you stop for a short break, whether it’s for a hot drink or water, use those few minutes wisely – breathe deeply, slow down the speed of your thoughts, pause and reconnect with your inner calm.

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When Feelings Come

Unwanted feelings.... big emotional feelings... When feelings come, what not to do? Don't ask why, don't wonder how, don't fight them and don't put yourself down for having these feelings. But most of all, don't blame someone or something else for how you feel.

What to do? Say, 'I choose this feeling.' This doesn't mean you want the feeling. It means you're accepting and taking responsibility for your feelings. This is the first step. But only the first step. Start by trying this. Then ask yourself what the next step might be.

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Admire to Inspire

List the people you admire, real or fictional. A leader from politics, business, sports…. A parent, teacher, friend…. A character from a book, movie, comic book….

What is it that you admire about these people? Certain characteristics, their intelligence, humor, creativity, kindness, hard work….? Do you see something of yourself in them?

Be inspired by the people you admire.