The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. Tom Bradley

Today I’ve been thinking about the power of positive thinking and just I’d like to increase positive self talk in my day to day life.

There are so many issues and responsibilities that I am confronted with each day that I often find that I have trouble sorting out all my priorities. Today, for instance… there is a RS gathering, a “swimlaxing” party. A friend ask (maybe even whined) if I was going. I responded that I did think I would. She asked why I don’t make going to these social gatherings a priority, after all, wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the house? Truthfully, sitting here writing this blog is all the relaxation I need… listening to a little Aeosmith on the side. (It’s actually my husband’s 70/80’s station on Pandora). LOL.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt

That’s how I feel about most things. I just need to keep moving forward. I can only control how I respond to my situation. I can’t change teens attitudes. I can’t change a spouse’s insensitivity (thankfully that hasn’t been an issue lately). I can’t even change if the weather is too hot. But I can change how I respond to all the stimuli around me.

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. George Barnard Shaw

I am finding that each mistake I make is an opportunity to learn to be better next time around. I almost feel bad for my first born. She is the trial and error kid. The trial run. Thankfully, God is merciful and has made up for my short comings and she is turning out to be a beautiful, confident, fit, smart and creative woman. It will be a real blessing if the other four miraculously make it through my parenting so well.

Lately, I am in AWE of my natural ability to bring beneficial changes into my life! I have discovered that success comes in many ways, but the formula is almost always the same:

Success = Problem Solving + Practice + Persistence + Patience + Personal Kindness

What you THINK is what you GET! Change your thinking, change your life! I’m working on this concept. Sometimes it’s hard to say nice things about yourself when the “mean girl” voice can be so darn loud!

A KEY is to slow down every day for personal quiet time–time to reflect on life’s journey. I am currently working on the following affirmations:

I believe in myself and my unlimited potential.

I feel confident in my in my ideas and abilities.

I am the creator of my life. I create through my thoughts, my words, and my actions!

I learn from every experience. I embrace new beginnings.

I experience the joy of being!

There is nothing to fear. I am safe, cared for, and loved. Everyone and everything will lean towards me to bless me and I will recognize in everyone my dearest friend. Ah…

I respect myself and like who I am. I have made the decision to win in my life!

I live in the now. Each moment is a present…a gift of life to me.

I am a success!

I celebrate life! I am contented and thankful.

Every morning: Gee, a brand new 24 hours! What a precious gift! I choose to live in peace and contentment.

I am willing to receive. I am worthy of my good.

I am naturally exuberant!

My body is my friend. I treat it with respect.

I take time for something FUN and different each day! I let my wild inner-child side out to play!

I am wealthy. I have terrific abundance!

I CAN do it! Bring life on! My potential is endless!

I now choose to enjoy my life!

I am free to be joyous!

I am TOTALLY healthy!

My current experience is a stage in the journey to fulfilling love.

I slow down the pace of my eating and savor the flavor of food.

All is well in my world!

Streams of abundance, blessings, peace, and contentment flow into and out of my life.

My Body radiates wholeness: My body is the temple of the living Spirit. Therefore, it is filled with wholeness. Every muscle, organ, nerve and cell is in perfect alignment with the function it was designed to perform.

God works through me: Today I am alert to the ways God expresses in my life. Everything I do is filled with harmony and balance as I let God’s joy propel me through every action of this day. My day goes smoothly and joyously.

Food is my friend: Everything I eat turns to health and beauty. I am open to receive the good that food has for me. I eat only what my body needs to be healthy. There is no hunger or feeling of being deprived, as my every need is satisfied by Spirit.

Change comes easily to me: I accept new, fulfilling experiences each day as I turn to God for guidance. I know that in order for things to be different, something must change. I accept change easily and flow with it as I welcome expanded good into my life. (This one is hard…. But I’m working on it).

Some days are easier than others… but even baby steps are steps forward… Right?

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over… it became a butterfly! –Proverb

“I am a beauwtiful butterfly! And from way up here you all look like widdle ants!” Heimlich – A Bug’s Life