Promise Yourself...

I very much believe that our thoughts, behaviour and actions directly impact the way we feel inside - and our thoughts and behaviours have a direct impact on each other.

There is no question that our thoughts (the thousands and thousands of them that occur throughout the day - most even without our being conscious of them) have a direct and massive effect on how we feel emotionally, and ultimately on the actions we take and the way we choose to behave in various situations. But a critical distinction here is that our behaviour and actions can also have an effect on our emotions - in other words, in the reverse direction. Our actions and behaviours can have a profound effect on our emotions and can dramatically change the way we think and feel.

Try walking slowly with a droopy face, shoulders hunched down, think pessimistic and negative thoughts, speak slowly and indistinctly - and not surprisingly you may start to feel terribly - sad, frustrated and helpless. It also wouldn't be much of a surprise if you don't attract too many people into your life while in this state.

Walk upright, taking each step with intent, shoulders up, chest forward, smile, speak with clarity - and somehow our internal emtions follow suit with our physical expression - feeling confident, happy, optimistic etc. Of course, I know it's never quite that simple. But the way we behave and conduct ourselves physically has a huge impact on our own internal emotions and feelings. It also has a huge impact on how people respond to us.

The idea here is not only to think optimistically - but actually to hold your body, behave, and act towards others in line with optimism, happiness, confidence, security, and love and appreciation for the world around us and the people who come into our lives.

The passage below comes from the Optimist Creed. It speaks to me about the importance of focusing on and monitoring our internal thoughts as well as our actions and behaviours - so that we are both internally and externally aligned (in mind and body) with that life energy which is positive, generous, loving and fulfilling:

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can
disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living person you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and too happy to permit the
presence of trouble.