Bucket List Towards a More Positive Mindset

When most people think of what is on their bucket list, they think of things they’d like to do before they pass on to whatever other realm they may believe in.  I’ve been thinking lately about my own bucket list.  The difference however between my bucket list and what most would think of as a bucket list is that the list I’m about to show you contains things to do or try to lead you out of a negative place plagued by stress, anxiety and worry and into a happier more positive self.  Instead of the saying “you are what you eat,” I believe that “you are what you think.”  Changing your thought patterns is super challenging and takes lots of practice.  But once you get started, you will see and FEEL a huge difference within your own self and what you are putting out and receiving back from your own universe.  Like any bucket list, you do not need to do ALL of the items on this list, nor do you have to complete them in order.  Pick one or two to focus on daily, weekly, or whatever works for you.  But know that the more often you are focused, the faster you will start to see changes.  There are times I find myself getting caught up in the day to day grind and happenings around me.  When I lose focus on the positive, I can actually feel myself in that negative zone.  Changing my thoughts from negative to positive has been an ongoing practice for me for the last two years.  It’s a continual part of my evolution as an individual.  This list is not meant to be final, it can be added to as needed.  I have started with seven items of focus.  You may see future posts with numbers that indicate adding to the list as other things pop into mind.  Happy trails….

1.       Positive Affirmations – Pick one, two or in my case 5 positives to focus on.  Post–it notes are your best friends when placing these affirmations in convenient spots to read on a daily basis.  You can stick them on your fridge, inside cabinets, on the bathroom mirror, etc.  Mine are strategically placed in my cubicle area at work where I will see them and read them regularly.  Although I will admit that I have not been very committed to reading them lately.  I think it’s time to rewrite them on new post-its and replace to refresh my brain.  Here’s an example of a couple that I have.  “My body is getting stronger, slimmer and healthier every day.”  “I am ready to release the past.”  “I gratefully accept all the health, wealth and happiness that the universe pours into me every day.”   If you are unsure of what affirmations you’d like, google/bing “affirmations about _______” and you will find tons of examples.

2.       Do one thing that makes you feel good EVERY day.  Whether it is a nice hot shower for some peace and quiet, or 20 minutes of quiet reading before bed.  Whatever it is, the focus is time for you.  

3.       Move regularly.  Getting those endorphins going on a daily basis helps you battle illness and stress.  If you are one who rarely exercises or has difficulty doing certain exercises, start small.  Even if it’s for 5 minutes at first and you can work your way up to ten minutes, then 20 and so on.  Fitting in just 30 minutes of exercise every day is great for your heart, lungs, immunity and brain function. 

4.       Eat healthier.  I’m not saying throw away every bag of chips, cookies, and junk in your cabinet and go on a diet.  Diets usually fail.  Let’s face it.  Fall is here and all the delicious seasonal baking has officially started and won’t end until everyone starts making their new year’s resolutions for January.  My weakness is pumpkin ANYTHING!!  My suggestion is to start being more aware of what you are choosing to eat.  Put more whole/raw foods rather than processed foods into your body.  You will love how you feel and how you begin to look as those clothes start fitting better or even become too big to wear!  And then you grow to appreciate the treats once in a while in moderation.

5.       Fill buckets.  I suggest reading the book How Full is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and Donald D. Clifton.  The general description of this book is that we all carry around our own invisible buckets.  When someone does or says something negative towards us it empties our buckets.  But when we feel good and positive and are positive towards others our buckets are full!  So when I say “Fill buckets,” I’m saying – go out and spread positivity and fill other people’s invisible buckets, because in turn, you will be filling your own and will feel good!

6.       Spend time with positive people. When you are around negative people and those who are constantly complaining, it begins to wear you down.  It then sends you into a negative frame of mind.  By surrounding yourself with positive friends and family members you will feel good about yourself and those around you.

7.       Be grateful.  Part of changing thoughts from negative to positive is focusing on what you do have and what you can be grateful for.  We all have many blessings to be thankful for.  By concentrating on what is good in your life, you will think less about what you don’t have and will be able to obtain more happiness and more of what you want as you appreciate what you’ve already got.  Wake up each morning and go to sleep each night concentrating on what you are thankful for.  This will not only be sure to start your day off on a positive note, but will also help you get to sleep more quickly and soundly with happy thoughts on your mind.  I know I am infamous for letting my mind wander about my daily stresses/worries.