Reading some thoughts by Anthony Robbins on how the words (or word associations) we use either weigh us down or give us wings
with which to fly. He suggests trying a simple exercise in an effort to change our thoughts from negative & energy-zapping to empowering & energy-provoking.
Robbins provides the following exercise:
1. Take a moment to write down at least three words you currently use on a regular basis…words that make you feel lousy, lost and lazy. These can include (but definitely aren’t limited to) frustrated, angry, scared, sad, incompetent, etc.
2. Write down next each word how it makes you feel. Does it affect your ability to succeed in your work, relationships, or other areas of your life? Does it keep you from reaching your goals and dreams?
3. Go on a crazy, outrageous, and fun brainstorming session! Write down new words that you can use in place of the words you listed. “Remember that your brain loves anything that gets you out of pain and into pleasure,” writes Robbins. Choose new words that will move you beyond limited thought to new places cookin’!
It’s quite interesting to think — your world is what you perceive it to be. Have you noticed the difference from neighborhood to neighborhood within a city? In Los Angeles, I’m always amazed at how one neighborhood can be inspired…pristine…creative…litter-free. Yet, a few blocks down the story can be completely different…litter everywhere…houses with cracking paint and barred windows.
The difference between neighborhoods…and minds…is vision. It’s what we perceive and what we manifest (create) as result.
As a Disneyland fan, I notice when I ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean some children cry their eyes out because they are afraid of the dark atmosphere & the freaky pirates, while others love it so much they want to go again and again. The only difference between the two types of youngsters are their mental perceptions.
In many sacred texts, “the word” is given much attention. I think this is because long-ago wisdom-filled individuals realized the words that run through our minds — are then spoken through our lips — which inspires action/or non-action — and then the results are seen in the home, in families and friendships, in the workplace, and in our neighborhoods.
Don’t allow the words & perceptions that run through your mind to be the end-all-be-all. One of my least favorite phrases = “it is what it is.” I hear it all too often from people I love. An “is what it is” mentality is a cop-out. Don’t forget that we have the power to shape our worlds — moment by moment. It all begins by reshaping our perceptions and creating a new mental vocabulary.
Make it a bold day!
– Jen Engevik