You spend more time inside your own mind than anywhere else. We continuously interpret events; filtering them through our world view, telling ourselves stories to give them meaning and context and then those narratives run in endless loops in our head and become part of our unquestioned belief systems.

Given this universal human tendency, it would behoove us to have a few internal conversations with that part of ourselves that is choosing what to focus on and what hits the cutting room floor. There are now 8 billion of us on this Earth and I assure you that each and every one of us would have slightly different takes on the same event and we would all stoutly defend our version. Thus, within a reasonable range, “reality” is malleable and the story we tell ourselves, the interpretations we make, should serve us, move us forward and upward, help us find what hope or advantage there might in any given circumstances.

The pessimist and optimist view the same situation; one walks away discouraged, full of doom and gloom, defeated at the starting gate, the other fills their mind with energy and enthusiasm, sure that where there is a will, there is a way.

Closing Quotes:

“Watch what you tell yourself, you’re likely to believe it.” – Russ Kyle

“You’re only as good as your last thought of yourself.” – Curtis Tyrone Jones

“Relentless, repetitive self-talk is what changes our self-image.” – Denis Waitley

“A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.” – Joyce Brothers

“I monitor my self-talk, making sure that it is uplifting and supportive of myself and others.” – Louise Hay

“Be very careful what you say to yourself because someone very important is listening . . . YOU!” – John Assaraf 

“Everything you attract into your life is a reflection of the story you believe and keep telling yourself.” – Farshad Asl

“The thoughts in your mind will always be more important than the things in your life. Choose happiness.” – John C Maxwell 

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier