#ChangeYourSong

Have you ever tried complaining to your doctor about how hard it is to eat healthy? Mine told me I had to change my thoughts. Instead of thinking about how hard it is, "Just think of making better choices." Every day, every meal is a choice. It seemed simple enough.

That thought lingered with me throughout the week. By thinking of how hard it is (and before you say “it’s not that hard” - please keep in mind that I'm taking care of two dogs and a baby) I was focused on the challenge. Changing my mind is simple enough, but not always easy. My doctor was right. While focused on the challenge, I was sabotaging my own power. It’s not something difficult. It’s a simple choice. Remembering that I DO have a choice is empowering. It allows me to take the reins. With that in mind, I started making healthier food choices.

I carried the idea of changing my mind over to other things too. All day long I make up silly songs to entertain the baby. I decided some of the lyrics needed a change.

“Ay, ay, ay, ay… no sir I have no bananas” soon became “Ay, ay, ay, ay… Yes I do have some bananas.” (What can I say, he thinks the word “banana” is hilarious.) “Bananas, bananas galore... Bananas yes please I’ll have more… Ay, ay, ay, ay… How I do love my bananas” etc. (You get the idea.)

Why would I repeat a lyric about a state of lack? Why wouldn’t I sing from a place of bounty and reinforce THAT idea? Hello? What was I thinking?

Of the thousands of thoughts we have in our heads all day long, what do we keep repeating to ourselves that we could change? How can I continue to change my song and improve my life? This week, I’ll listen closely and #changemysong.

Namaste,

T

About the Apple Tree...

A few years ago, we fenced in our backyard so that the dogs could run freely. We soon became aware that Bentley has an obsession with apples. He will eat them until he becomes sick, if left to his own devices.

There happened to be a bumper crop one year and it was impossible to rake them all up. Despite having the fence, we had to keep Bentley on leash or else he would fill up on apples. We were given a most amazing invention called an apple rake, which rolls over the top of them and scoops them up easily, but the apples remained well into winter and I wondered why we had bothered getting the fence.

The next year, hardly any apples fell from the tree and Bentley enjoyed the run of the yard. I didn't know what to make of the apple situation.

So here we are this year. Already, I can see hundreds of apples on the tree. They are falling down and Bentley is eating some, even though they aren't really ripe and probably taste bitter.

What is the point?

When I saw all the apples this week, all the fruitful abundance on the tree, I was tempted to think to myself, "Oh darn it! Look at all those freakin' apples! It's going to be one of THOSE years!" I quickly realized the ridiculousness of that train of thought. Apples are a blessing! They are beautiful! They are a wonderful example of nature's bounty and a symbol and reminder of the gifts of life! What was I thinking, complaining about it??? It was time to change my mind and be grateful.

I think we encounter opportunities to change our thinking in this way more often than we realize. I'm reminded that sometimes we can't see the Blessing that lies ahead. Sometimes we think something unfortunate has occurred when in fact, it might be the best thing that ever happened to us. Where is our faith? Our trust? Why do we complain when we could be joyful?

I am going to make it a practice to be thankful and grateful, even when things don't appear to be going my way. If I trust that all is working out for the best, and the Universe is always working for my greatest good, I will say "thank you" and be grateful no matter what happens. I will trust that all will work out for the best eventually, even when I can't see it right away. I've heard countless stories of how people have lost their jobs, only to be forced into another that is better anyway. Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction. Sometimes, we don't make changes unless we are forced into them. Sometimes our disappointments lead to the most amazing opportunities.

I will remember that this week. I will smile and know that all is well. After all, it IS! I will focus my thoughts on the good, and therefore attract more positive things. I'll pay close attention to my thoughts and let go of any complaints, knowing that everything that happens is ultimately for the best. I know this to be true.

Blessings...
Namaste,
T