by Carolyn Blakeslee

Make a list of what you desire. List your desires—not wants or needs, which imply lack of, rather than abundance of, something. By saying/thinking/writing, “I desire [this] or something even better now manifesting for the good of all concerned,” you create room for even greater possibilities.

Remember a situation of abundance. If you catch yourself wallowing in a bad memory or engaging in “stinkin’ thinkin’,” call up a contrasting memory in which you felt rich, beautiful, accomplished, capable—whatever state of being you desire.

Align with your passions. By taking even a small step toward a passion or goal that nurtures you, you will feel cleaner, clearer and more energetic, thus opening the way for progress. God has a plan for your life and His deep desire for His creation—you—is for you to flourish.

Look forward. List your most cherished dreams and immediate intentions. Better yet, pull pictures from a past happy time and cut out magazine pictures that represent the good things you desire in your future, and then paste them in a journal or on a poster board to refer to during moments of reflection.

Streamline your life continually. Let go of situations and clutter that don’t support your aspirations.

Spend time with positive people. Don’t believe naysayers. You are working to overcome your own limiting beliefs, so why listen to anyone else’s self-limiting negativity? Step away with kindness.

Select news sources carefully and set a time limit. Read only thoughtful, responsible journalism, which doesn’t include most TV news. You’ll avoid wasting time on nasty stories that engender negative feelings and harmful physiological responses. You’ll feel better for it.

Have the proverbial “attitude of gratitude.” Count your blessings. Think often of all the good in your life. Say “Thank you,” more than once a day. Contemplate the areas of your life that are working well; take those skills and apply them to what you would like to improve.

Express gratitude. Thank others frequently, with thank-you cards, expressive emails, gestures of encouragement and smiles. People always appreciate kindness and good manners, especially when civility seems in short supply.

Smile! When you answer the phone, put a smile on your face and in your voice. Welcome people into your life, even if it’s just for that moment. Allow them to feel your warmth. When you catch yourself frowning with concentration during a task, pause to lift your brows, pull back your face and smile!

Carolyn Blakeslee publishes the North Central Florida edition of Natural Awakenings (NaturalAwakeningsncfl.com).