Posted on February 08, 2017 by Dana Bowman

"The creative power within us makes us into the image of that to which we give our attention."

There were people in my life growing up who always looked at the negative in things. They focused on what they didn't have that others did. Feeling entitled that they should just get everything that others got but always kept the same thinking that nothing would ever work out for them. That they were somehow jipped in this life. I'm sure you have or have had those of your own.

It hasn't been until over the last few years that I'm realizing the power of a positive mindset and how much it has lead my life into some really amazing things! I remember saying to a specific person when they would drum up all the reasons why something wouldn't work or how bad the day will be, "Well, it sure is going to turn out like that if that's what you think."

Also, when I would hear someone say something bad about themselves I would say, "Ok, now you have to say THREE positive things! 3 positives for every 1 negative." Right then and there it had to be done!

Again over and over I have my Mom to thank for a majority of that mindset. I'll never forget where I noticed it the most. My brother and I were being bratty kids and we were waiting in this L-O-N-G line for something and my Mom's just standing there, smiling.

She's smiling the whole time while her kids are being brats and were having to wait in this huge line with a huge crowd of people around us.

I looked up at her and I said, "Mom, why are you smiling?!" with a disgusted tone as I was thinking about how the situation sucked and we were waiting forever and I was hungry and punching my brother! Definitely not a situation that would warrant any kind of enjoyment let alone a smile.

I can't quote exactly what she said back to me but she basically said that frowning and being upset isn't going to help the situation. She may have even just said, "It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile so why not?!" She said that often :)

Looking back I can see where that was a pivotal moment in the development of my positive "why not" mindset and what would become a continuous child-like "this is awesome" perspective about life!

It's only been over the last few years that I've experienced a loss in this perspective that then generated a very negative energy over my daily life. I still somehow remained positive for others but that's where the buck stopped. For a period in time I was very unkind to myself with the thoughts I let linger and it lasted for what seemed like forever BECAUSE that's where I gave my attention.

Let me share this again, "The creative power within us makes us into the image of that to which we give our attention."

This struck me this morning as I was reading and it's just more proof! More proof of how powerful our mindsets are when we're thinking about our lives on a daily basis AND when we're thinking about our big picture goals. When we're dreaming of the life we want to experience, where we want to live, what it smells like, what it looks like, this list goes on! 

What we think about more, is what we get more of in our lives, whichever way we go. The caveat, or the gift as I see it, is to know and become aware of your thoughts. Become aware of when they stray, when they tell you you're not good enough, you don't know enough or that you're dreaming WAY too big and it'll never happen so you should crawl back into your black hole.


OK, and notice too when you're thinking the most positive thoughts! Who are you around? What environment are you in? Where are you going or coming from? Are you by yourself journaling or are you coming home after a rich convo coffee date with a dear friend? Are you on an incredibly beautiful hike or taking a much needed long warm bubble bath?


What image of yourself are you giving your attention?!