10 benefits of positive thinking and a grateful heart
Sitting around the fire one night, a wise Native American grandfather told his grandson, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil.
This one is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, guilt, negative thinking, lies and self-doubt.
The Other is Good.
This one is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, gratefulness, and truth.
The boy thought about it, and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins”?
The old man quietly replied, “The one you feed.”
-author unknown
The other day I was going through an old file and stumbled onto this story. As I re-read the words, several ideas came to mind. Mostly, I was reminded that every day people get to make choices about how they are going to live and what mindset they will adopt. So often the choices they make are not intentional ones, but rather driven by whatever circumstances are present in their life.
For example, if you are going through a difficult season or wake up in a bad mood, you may choose to remain in a negative mindset; not even aware that you are feeding the negativity. If left unattended, the negative thoughts and attitudes become more powerful and before you know it, your life will appear more hopeless and may even leave you in a state of wanting to give up. This result will likely leave you paralyzed and stuck!
On the other hand, if you choose to consider what is going well in your life instead of what’s difficult, or what you have instead of what you do not have, then you are feeding the positive emotions which carry far more benefits than does the other. Another way to adopt a positive attitude is to pause anytime you are feeling negative. In this moment, think of something that is going well or something you are thankful for. This doesn’t mean you have to appreciate your negative situation, but rather thinking of something positive allows you to change your attitude, letting go of the negativity, so that you can move forward.
Why is Feeding the Good Wolf a Wiser Choice?
Here are the top 10 benefits of a positive mindset to consider and maybe you can think of more. Being thankful or grateful………
Opens doors to more relationships and new opportunities because you will have an open mind
Increases physical health because a positive mindset will encourage you to take better care of yourself
Improves your psychological health by reducing negativity
Enhances empathy and increases kindness
Better sleep
Improves self-esteem because when you are grateful for what you have, you are not comparing yourself to others
Increases cognitive health by reducing stress and nurturing resilience
Less self-focused more others focused, creating altruism…. the most beautiful gift to yourself
Increases energy
Optimistic people live longer
So, the question is……… who will you feed today? In order to answer this question, you must always be aware of the thoughts and attitudes you are allowing to affect you.
Creating a daily habit of gratefulness does not mean that you will have a life without problems. It will however help you navigate through life’s storms stronger and more resilient!
Coaching Tip
For the remainder of November, I challenge you to consider compiling a daily gratitude list! Carry it on through the month of December and you will have created a wonderful habit that will benefit your life forever!
Here are some ideas
Each day before you go to bed, list 3 different things that you are thankful for.
When you wake up and before getting out of bed, think of 3 things you are looking forward to.
Chose a weekly gratitude challenge by listing all the things that you are grateful for beginning with the letter A and ending with letter Z and including every letter in between. At the end of the week evaluate…..Did you get all 26 letters?
Turn this previous idea into a monthly challenge. Each day is a new letter of the alphabet. List as many things that you are grateful for that begins with that letter of the day.
Invite friends and family to participate with you! This is a great habit to pass on to those you love. After all, doesn’t the world need more Good wolves?
Your life Matters!
Peace and Gratitude,
Tammy
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