Welcome to Thursday Thoughts Edition #19

We are so glad you are here!

Last week I mentioned various topics that we are going to be exploring and learning more about. For Example ……

But before we can do that we have to talk about our thoughts.

Changing your thoughts can literally change your life

In each Thursday Thoughts Episode we do a breathing exercise.

So enough with the chit chat

Let’s close our eyes.

If it’s helpful, play some soothing music.

* Breathing Exercise

Note: 

Before we go any further, we should acknowledge that there are situations – for example: substance abuse disorders – that need a different framework.  

When a person has a substance abuse disorder, they are travelling a different road. Until they are able to be on a recovery path, they can’t even begin to think about how changing their thoughts may help them. 

Becoming conscious of our thoughts 

There is no one size fits all program that shows us how to move towards being conscious of our thoughts. 

We are all unique and respond differently to various approaches. 

Today we are keeping it simple. 

 Starting at the Beginning 

The process of being aligned with our true self. 

Allowing us to fully step into our Abundant Life is a lifelong pursuit.  

I have found that even though there have been times when I thought that I was aligned with my true self. It was not completely true. 

The first step is honestly looking inside ourselves and being fully aware of all the ‘stinky stuff’ in our lives. 

Stinky Stuff 

This is the baggage of our lives that we are carrying around. 

Working through the baggage of our lives takes time and energy.  

It is not something we do one day and then put behind us. 

But unless we go through the process of looking at the ‘stinky stuff’ and working through it – with help, if needed - we will keep repeating the same patterns – over and over again... 

WHY? 

Our actions and reactions are the result of the Programming we have consciously or subconsciously received. We need to understand that our genetics and environment (including upbringing, education, people we hang out with, information we consume etc.) program our minds and therefore our lives. 

I am not suggesting we have no control over our lives, I am saying the exact opposite. 

Of course, where we are born, who our parents are, our economic situation, is not something we can control. But as we grow up and become adults, we have a choice in what we put into our minds. 

This is not an in-depth article about the influences in our lives. 

I am highlighting the possibilities we have to change our lives. 

Science  

Our brains cannot distinguish between a real or imagined thought. 

This is why visualization is so powerful. 

Behind the scenes - our thoughts and actions 

R.A. S. (Reticular Activation System)  

The R.A,S. is a bunch of nerves we have in our brain stems.  

It has many functions: - sleep/wake - behaviour etc.  

Why do we care?  

It also: - tunes our attention - regulates behaviours - drives motivation. 

It is the Gatekeeper of what comes to your Attention.  

Without the R.A.S. we would not be able to function with the zillion inputs we receive, every moment of every day. 

Our Reticular Activation system shows us what our subconscious mind is thinking about. 

Example: You buy a yellow car and suddenly it seems as though there are yellow cars everywhere.  

R.A.S. is the Science behind: 'Whatever you think about becomes your reality.'  

It brings whatever your subconscious mind is thinking about to your conscious mind.  

How does this benefit us?  

If you:  

1) Have a clear written plan for your Goals and Life.  

2) Map out a realistic Timeline to achieve them.  

3) You review them over and over .... repetition is the secret sauce.  

You become aware of information, people, classes, mentors etc. 

All of which can help you achieve your goals and help you step into your Abundant Life. 

Secret Sauce 

Repetition is the Key 

You need to write down specific steps; 

For Example: 

I am a writer 

I write informative, entertaining articles 

I have more money than I could ever use 

Then 

Read these sentences over multiple times a day. 

Eventually those conscious words become part of your subconscious mind. 

And your life begins to change because you pay attention to different information that your R.A.S. is showing you. 

Wrap 

If you have never tried to change your thought patterns this could seem farfetched, but I guarantee you that it is based on science. 

All the motivational Speakers, Books, Podcasts, You Tube videos that you have come across rely on these scientific facts.  

This is why it is so important to pay attention to your brain’s input. 

As a starting point over the next couple weeks we are going to be talking about

An Attitude of Gratitude 

You would see changes in your life begin to happen if –

For 21 Days  

You say 5 things you are Grateful for when you open your eyes 

You say 5 things you are Grateful for before you close your eyes 

This small action will show you how consciously changing your Thoughts will change your Life. 

I hope that you will continue to join us as we journey towards a life of Being Well. 

Thank you for listening!

How can you support my Podcast and Newsletter?

Follow and leave a review on Apple or soon to be Spotify.

Head to my Newsletter

Link: http://www.jrnowwhat.substack.com

Become a paid subscriber or scan the QR Code and buy me a coffee

Should you choose to - scan and buy me a coffee - thank you:-)

* Like and comment.

* Spread the word - tell your family, friends and colleagues.

Be Well

Until next time …

Get full access to Now What? Hosted by JR at jrnowwhat.substack.com/subscribe