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As humans, if we see 10 positive things and one negative thing, we can pretty much guarantee that if we are operating from our old (negative) mindset, we will automatically focus on that negative one thing.

And, if we are operating from a positive mindset, we see all the good.

Let’s look at five shifts we can make to help the transition from our old, negative way of thinking to a new, more positive mindset during these precarious times of change.

1. Self-care, love, and awareness.

What does self-love look like for you? What do you do to nurture your soul on a daily basis? This is so unique to you. I would love to hear. Let’s put it out there, and let’s be accountable for the love that we show to ourselves. Loving ourselves first and foremost means that we can give love to others so much more openly. When we do this with awareness, with passion, and with a focused presence, life becomes a sweeter experience for you and for all those around you.

2. Daily practice brings clarity of mind.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a daily practice. It’s such a vital component in changing your life. I know you may be thinking that you don’t have the time, but that’s just an excuse. A daily practice can be something as simple as 10 minutes of focused attention on your breath.

Okay, that may not be so simple for some of you, but how about 10 minutes of focused attention on a relevant piece of prose or writing that is in support of your personal growth? I would love to hear your daily practice stories and what affirmations, quotes, and passages support you.

When I started teaching yoga to addicts in the 90s, I created short meditation CDs that were only around 10 minutes long because I knew that any more than that would be too much to begin with; it would dishearten them and stop them from wanting to progress further.

If you begin by keeping a daily practice short, you will naturally start to feel a deeper sense of achievement much more quickly, and you will want to make the effort to progress. So like an old negative habit, this is just a new positive habit that you are putting into place, and as soon as you start to create a practice and routine, your mind will become clearer and you will start to achieve a sense of clarity.

3. Let go of perfection.

Let’s be honest, this is a big one for many. Wanting everything to be perfect stops us from moving forward—it’s that simple. Caring what others think of us also stops us from making some huge steps forward. When we know ourselves, we don’t have to worry about what others think. Just because we fall and stumble and don’t do things in a so-called perfect manner it doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable because it doesn’t mean that you can’t move forward. Ask for help if you need it. Are you someone who finds asking for help difficult?

And, most of all, be your own best friend.

4. Balance.

As I sit here, looking out of my window watching the snow come down this day, I recognise that nature is perfect just as she is. In all her seasons, she shows herself openly and so vulnerably. We can truly learn from her and all her glory. She is the perfect representation of balance.

Can you think of the different areas of your life where you may feel a considerable amount of imbalance? Life is here for living, and it’s so easy to imbalance our lives in more ways than one. We may be the type of person to overdo something or even restrict ourselves, which is the opposite end of the scale. I can tell you from personal experience, it causes harm.

Have you ever experienced that feeling as a child? When someone tells you not to touch something, the first thing you want to do is touch it. Well, it’s exactly the same when you restrict yourself from the simple pleasures in life. It’s then that it can easily turn into an obsession.

I went through this when I was suffering from anorexia. It wasn’t about food; it was never about food. It was about the control of life, and food was just the object so to speak. It could just as easily have been alcohol or drugs, juice fasts, or detoxes; these are two ends of the scale.

So, I’m not being an advocate for things that may cause you harm, but finding balance in life allows a greater sense of happiness and wellness in the body, mind, and spirit.

5. Boundary setting.

“When you know what you don’t want, you know what you do want.” ~ Abraham Hicks

It takes clear communication to set boundaries. Firstly, when we set boundaries, we need to know who we are, what we want, and who we want to be. Then the boundaries can be put in place without wavering results.

When you are setting boundaries, you always need to have an intention of love behind them; otherwise, they may come across as aggressive or ill-meaning. Using a direct approach gives a sense of strength and empowerment to any situation. You must know your limits—you can’t set boundaries if you are unsure of where you stand. So here’s the question. Where do you need to set boundaries in your life?

This brings us back to the importance of self-love and self-awareness. Take your journey forward with ease. Know who you are, know your truth, and you can never go wrong.

Let me leave you with this simple affirmation to repeat to yourself daily:

I am Light.

I am Love.

I am Truth.

I am.

~