Okay I'm on a roll here...

[Icaruslanded]

Thought I would offer this too - might be of help to others..

I went to a seminar many moons ago, when I had more hair on my head than coming out of my ears and nose - BUT, am older and hopefully wiser now too. One thing spoken about was to do with the questions we ask ourselves. See, the way you ask and what you ask, determines what your mind comes up with, and it is totally subjective. Meaning is usually what we assign to things based on our own life experience, for the most part. So, next time you feel less than great, maybe have a peep at this list and ask yourself these questions with sincerity:

- What is one experience I have had in the past that made me smile?
- What is one thing that makes me feel good inside? What about that makes me feel good?
- Who loves me and how does that really make me feel inside? (Appreciation is higher than gratitude)

- Who do I love and what about them makes me feel that way?
- What is one experience in the past where I was able to help someone else? How'd it make me feel?

- What is one thing I could feel grateful for, even a little bit?
- What things do I really appreciate in my life, or could I appreciate? (we are always luckier than someone, somewhere - always)
- What is one thing another person told me about myself that made me feel good?

Don't be afraid to dig a little deeper with each - the more you can describe it, the more you realise it. The more you realise your value, the stronger you become inside if you keep at it. We all have rough patches, sometimes really hard ones - the trick is not to allow yourself to stay there. And if it seems too hard, be gentle - think instead, "If I could feel that way, how would it make me feel?" - its a simple little trick to get over the block depressive thinking puts in front of us. What would you have to lose from giving it a try? I believe in you, now you believe in you, 'kay? Peace.🙂

[SmilingGecko]

Thats sage advice there @Icaruslanded I'm going to focus on those themes tonight and make it more of a daily habit to lift myself up when needed. Ever since the pandemic I've felt more of a sombre mood, its as if I just couldnt find the same level of joy I used to experience in my 40's. I guess I just get back into this simple and powerful practice to experience more shifts again. Just got to keep doing it. I hope youre having a good night tonight and I want to express my appreciation for your posts. I notice youve been posting a lot on the forums lately and it doesnt go unnoticed 

[Icaruslanded]

Hey there @SmilingGecko (love that handle, by the way). I am glad you found it so helpful. In a deeper sense, the negative inner voice we hear is actually trying to protect us - its just often, not perceived as protector but critic (and sometimes it is just critic too lol!). We get lost sometimes (been there, still going though it at the moment myself) and we forget our own power. I have just come back from helping my neighbour 'connect' with her family, since passed on - yep, I do that stuff! Very positive, she had tears of joy at the end - always a lovely thing to bring someone closure. I delight in that, always have. I hope you are having a great night and super happy the post helped you. Always remember, our goodness is always a light that can shine through if we let it - the dark clouds always give way to the sunshine beneath...we just need to have a little faith in ourselves:) You got this.

[Taali]

Good morning 🌄 @Icaruslanded @SmilingGecko I found reading your posts enlightening on this rather dim Sunday morning.

I will put my mind to seeking self affirming answers to those questions posed by @Icaruslanded ( BTW is I in Icaruslanded an upper case I or a lower case L?)

It's often too easy to swing into a "that's never been  or will ever be me mindset" so I'm going to try to push that aside and fight to find more positive and meaningful internal answers.

Thank you for helping me to kick off my day with a proactive approach. 

💋💋

[Icaruslanded]

Hey @Taali, so glad it helped you! Icaruslanded with a capital I yes. Close your eyes, breathe, put your left hand under your right armpit and your other hand wrap around your opposite arm. Its a simple exercise by Peter Levine, brings comfort. Also one hand over the heart, the other over the forehead, just breathe for a few minutes. Then move from your forehead to over your tummy and give it a few more minutes. Give it a try🙏

[Taali]

Hey @Icaruslanded @SmilingGecko 

I feel like I've just started a game of Twister.

Laughing while turning myself inside out...

🤪

[Icaruslanded]

😂😂😂@Taali. And that laughter is medicine!

[Taali]

That's for sure@