I Love That…Shift Your Attitude to Gratitude and Stifle Your Inner Critic
As I began my morning jog one day last week I found myself
really struggling. It was hot, sticky humid, my legs felt like
each one had a sand bag strapped to it, the mosquitoes were out
in swarms. Ugh! I recognized that I had to shift my attitude or
there was no way I would make it. A phrase came to me that I
started to play with…”I Love That…” I got so carried away
with it that before I knew it I suddenly noticed I was within
yards of finishing. The run had become effortless. My attitude
had shifted away from being self-absorbed into gratitude. If
there is any way you can apply this to something you are
struggling with, try it! The shift in attitude can free you.
It’s quite fun! This is not exactly how it went, but what I
could recall.
I Love That…When I walk and jog I am living a healthy
lifestyle. I Love That…When I cross the finish line, I will
feel awesome! I Love That…When I start off the day with
exercise, I start off the day with a success. I Love That…The
more I exercise the easier it becomes to breathe. I Love
That…When I exercise my clothes slip right on. I Love
That…When my muscles ache after a run its a sign that I’m
growing…becoming stronger. I Love That…When I exercise I
become more tone. I Love That…Exercising gives me more energy
through the day. I Love That…I have two legs to exercise on. I
Love That…I can breathe. I Love That…If I don’t cross the
finish line I will have gotten closer to my goal and will be
stronger because of it. I Love That…I have been given the gift
of another day. I Love That…when I am nervous before a speech
it’s a sign that I am about to stretch beyond my comfort zone
which always leads to interesting opportunities. I Love
That…Planes fly over me all day carrying people to where they
want to go…safely. I Love That…I can hear the sound of the
traffic on the freeway …the sound of people going to their
jobs. I Love That…Some of those people are going to jobs to
help other people get jobs. I Love That…I know someone who
while looking for a job himself has taken on the role of helping
a small group of unemployed individuals find jobs (no strings
attached). I Love That…When someone needs help, there are
thousands of people, organizations, and churches who are looking
for them, because they want to help people in need. I Love
That…We have FREEDOM! I Love That…Wherever I am…wherever I
go…God is with me.
This all happened naturally and yet the shifts are very clear.
In the beginning I am very focused on the exercise and self
absorbed…then shift to gratitude while still looking inward.
When I looked up and noticed a plane flying above, it shifted me
to gratitude with regard to others. When I heard the traffic I
thought…what’s good about that?…and immediately remembered
all the people I have talked to lately who are out of work.
Finally, gratitude in the fullest expression of all that I am.
This is not meant to sway anyone in their views, only to give
you the opportunity to try the “I love that…” phrase and see
where it takes you.
If you are feeling challenged in your work outs, in day to day
life, or you just want to take living to a higher level, use
your 5 senses to take you away. See appreciatively, listen
intensely, smell deeply, taste using each and every taste bud,
and feel the positive energy of what is going on inside and
around you. Chances are you will find an abundance of things to
be grateful for that you can get excited about…Starting Now!
Taking Action: When your inner critic is getting the best of
you…make a change in your thought process. Try the “I Love
That…” phrase and see where it takes you. Really use your 5
senses to experience life a little more deeply… surround
yourself or just notice the beautiful things around you that you
love, bring great smells into your life, wonderful music, the
most comfortable fabrics, hug often, and savor the taste of the
simplest thing like a juicy apple.
Feel free to send your thoughts and comments. I would love to
hear from you! Copyright 2002, Beth A. Tabak. All rights
reserved.
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