Yesterday’s blog entry was all about clearing out the “stuff” in our home that we really don’t need and donating to those who may need it more. Today my emphasis is on evaluating the intangible “stuff” in our lives that could be replaced with positive energy.  Relationships with family, friends and associates, time-consuming careers and general life challenges are good areas to “mine” for positive feelings.

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The older I get, the more I realize this:

I may not be able to control my environment, but I can work to control my own reactions, thoughts, emotions and actions.

Here’s my new philosophy:

  • When choosing friends, I concentrate on what I enjoy most – spending time with positive, sincere, reliable people who like to laugh a lot like I do.
  • I challenge myself to be even more positive and supportive for my friends so that they know they can count on me.
  • I will be a better friend to others by listening and supporting them through thick and thin. Sometimes people need someone to just listen without judging or giving advice.
  • When people do ask for my advice, I give them the best I can offer. The healthiest way I can be a caring friend is to show concern, but not let others’ problems get me down myself.
  • I can choose to focus more on my blessings and the things I take for granted and less on problems or challenges.
  • I cannot control every situation that I experience in my life, but I can think before I react. “Is this situation worth a _________ reaction?”  (Fill in the blank, i.e. hysterical, angry, sad, stressful, etc.) “Is this as big of a deal as I am making it?” What will I accomplish in the long run by reacting negatively?
  • I can work on being less critical of others and myself.
  • I can replace negative thoughts with feelings of gratitude.
  • I’ll strive to be the best person I can, but I understand that it is not possible to please everyone.
  • I can recall pleasant life memories and let the rest go like a big red helium balloon into the blue sky.
  • I can continue to help others but also know that the word “no” is sometimes what is needed the most.
  • If I am not on the right path, I have the power to think the situation through and make changes.
  • I cannot realistically expect perfection from myself (or others) in all that I do.
  • I can be kind to my body by maintaining a good diet, healthy fitness level and overall well-being.
  • I can celebrate and appreciate life and the simple things every day.

This ideology can really clear the clutter inside. Combine that with a thoroughly cleaned house and you just may have a great new lease on life.

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