Why Positive Thinking Is More Than Just A Trend

In Episode 5 of "Conversations at Sunrise," we dive deep into the transformative power of positive thinking and gratitude. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, can shifting your mindset truly change your life? We explore real-life examples, scientific studies, and practical strategies that demonstrate how embracing positivity can reshape your reality, even in the toughest times. Whether it's a hummingbird at your window or overcoming personal adversity, there's always something to be grateful for. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation and discover how small changes can make a big impact. Plus, find out how you can get a free copy of a life-changing book!

Transcript

Lori Lee: 0:10

Hi. Welcome back episode five of conversations at sunrise. Whether you're listening to audio only, or you're on YouTube also watching, I want to say thank you. It means a lot that you've taken. 30 minutes out of your day to tune in. I know there's a lot of different things you could be doing right now. So it's not lost on me that you're spending your time here. So I think I had mentioned last time that I wanted to dive a little bit deeper into positive thinking. And. I think. Not only positive thinking, but embracing gratitude can help transform our lives. So grab a cup of coffee. Depending what time you're watching this, or, you know, maybe a cold brew. Or your beverage of choice and. Let's dive into this and. Hopefully, By the end of the conversation. I'll have convinced you that positive thinking can have, A pretty significant impact on your life. So there was a lot going on in the world. Right? There's a lot of fear right now. There's a lot of doubt. And uncertainty. Um, it's very pervasive and it it's easy to get caught up in this, especially. Being an election year and some of the irrational. Um, things going on with politics. And. Well, these are important. I mean, they're important to me. I think it's also just as important, if not more so that we do not anchor our lives to these things. Um, living from a place of fear. Obviously is not healthy. So, what we need to do is stop and. We'll get into the positive thing, but also witnessed the miracles that are around us every day. So yes, we have all this fear. But. There's there's much more. Positive. Um, things going on in this world. Simple things. Okay. This morning, I'm at my kitchen window in a hummingbird. Comes to the feeder that I have there. And I don't know if you've ever seen a hummingbird up close, but let me tell you it is magnificent. Their wings. It just, it's amazing. And to me just witnessing something like that. That that also, you know, uplifts your spirit. As well also went out to the garden this morning and. Was able to, um, harvest quite a few vegetables. The. The season seems to be a little bit earlier than usual. Usual. Usually I can't get tomatoes till August in my area, but I've had them for a couple of weeks now, maybe even three weeks or so. But. What was exciting this morning is I've never been able to successfully grow red peppers. And I actually had Fred pepper today. So. Very excited about that. But to me, it's witnessing those small things. And who was it that said. I think it was Wayne Dyer who said. When you start changing the way you look at things. The things that you look at will change. And isn't that true? I mean, I'll be honest. I can watch the news. And by the end of the day, after watching, you know, an hour of the news, I feel very heavy. It feels a little bit dark, a little bit scary. But yet, if I can shut it off and go a whole weekend or a whole week without any type of news. I just feel. I feel more optimistic. Um, about what's in front, in front of us. So a little bit of a tangent there, but. I just wanted to say that. Yeah. There's a lot of things going on that are scary right now. But there's also so many more wonderful things going on. And. It has been proven that positive thinking can change the outcome. Of a situation. I don't know if you've ever experienced that. And changing the lens through which we view these things. It's very, very important. And one of the most important actions you can take for your health. Your finances, your relationships is positive thinking. So simple yet. So powerful. So. They're like I said, this isn't just Lori talking. There's so much research out there. Um, and I have. Quite a bit of notes here in the different studies in journals. Um, And whatnot. Regarding positive thinking. Um, but one of the things, I think that pretty much an all these articles talked about how positive thinking actually changes the structure of your brain. It actually creates new neural pathways in your brain. Which disrupts your, you know, the negative thinking. And. You know, similar to physical exercise that strengthens your muscles and whatnot, this positive thinking. Strengthens those neuropathways in your brain. And that can lead to lasting change and. When you're more positive about something, the actions you take are different. You have the decisions you make are different. Then, if you're stuck in this, this negative mindset pattern. And one of the studies. Uh, that I think is worth mentioning is it was the journal of psychiatric research and it found that practicing. Positive affirmations for just four weeks. Uh, led to significant changes, um, in the participant's brain and the people experienced, um, increased. Emotional wellbeing. They felt less anxious, more self-confident. Um, It just the study really underscored the power of. Positive affirmations. And. I don't. The what, what's the name of that book? Um, The miracle morning. I don't know if you've ever read that. I know every time I get on here, I'm suggesting a book to you, but the miracle morning by Hal Elrod, you got to get it. Actually, there was a new updated version that I think came out last December. That's the one I read. So it has, I don't know, I think 70 new pages in it from the original original version. And it also had a miracle evening routine, but in this. In this miracle morning. It talks about, um, Six different things. And it's called savers and I'm not going to get into the whole thing, but one of them is he's really big into affirmations. And I have to say. Um, through some of the challenges I've had in my life affirmations, especially in my adult years have been, um, have played a significant role. Actually, you know what? Maybe I'll do another episode on. On the miracle morning and the book. Um, I think that'd be a good idea. Uh, because it is powerful. So sorry. Another tangent, um, So the health benefits, I think are very well-documented. And writing about these positive experiences. Positive experiences in your life can also reduce the cortisol levels. You know, the stress hormone. And I mean, we all know what that does, right? It leads to inflammation, leads to different diseases. Um, So again, very simple act of positive thinking. Um, can really help impact some of these things. And I guess I just want to take a half step back. Um, definitely not talking about toxic positivity. Um, you got to face reality. I'm not saying don't face reality. But you can definitely face it with. With the thought of. What. Is in this situation. What is the silver lining? Is there a silver lining? What, what should I be learning? You know, traveling this, this, this climbing, this hill that I'm climbing. There's always something. And I think you just need to pause and. And look for that. So again, I'm not saying don't. You know, don't face reality and it's certainly positive thinking by no means. Am I saying it's a cure all for mental health? It is not. I'm not saying that. But it does help us find a positive light in any situation. And with practice, you'll notice that, you know, actually with practice. You'll start noticing how negative people are around you. And. It will just help you navigate that a little better. Aye. It's very easy to go down. Rabbit holes. I do it myself all the time. Um, Especially after watching a news cycle. Another book, um, that I wanted to mention.'cause he talks about gratitude is, um, is by Neale Donald Walsch and it's called. Happier than God. And in it, he. He talks about positive thinking and he talks about, um, Gratitude. And to be grateful for every outcome. And I know that's very difficult, boy, do I know that's difficult? Um, You know, five years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. And for somebody to tell me that I should be grateful for that. Um, I'd say you lost your mind. But I've certainly learned a lot from it. My eyes have been opened quite a bit by it. And I also feel that again, with every obstacle I've gone through, I've built up. I've resiliency. And I feel it's. With the. You know, these obstacles, these situations, these journeys that I've had to travel. I am better equipped. To help somebody else do that. So though at the time I was not grateful for it by any means. I'm not going to pretend I was. I am today. So. Um, I don't know if that sits well with people or not, but. I am grateful. Obviously very grateful that I have just passed my five-year anniversary. You know, I think I've shared that. I had quite the traumatic childhood. Um, My teenage years weren't any better, which is another whole episode. Which we'll talk about. You know, I've been through divorce have been through miscarriages. And despite all of this. Have grown and become a better person. Um, and overcoming this adversity, as I had stated. Has really enabled me to help others. Uh, real life experience. Experiences will Trump. You know, reading books and, and going to conferences and watching YouTube videos. Um, in terms of personal growth, uh, Any day, any day. And. One of the things I want to talk about also is I think how you need to. I had mentioned in this miracle miracle morning book. There's a new section called you know, Uh, miracle evening. And I think it's really important. I think I may have mentioned this. And my last podcast as well, that you really need to clear your mind before going to bed. Um, you got to avoid the negative thinking and not even just the negative thinking, but you can't be thinking about your to-do list for the next day. You can't be thinking about your finances. Certainly not be watching the news. Um, Um, before going to bed, because bed is time. To for rest and rejuvenation and in healing. And if you have all that stuff going on in your head, your body is not as calm as it should be. So you just need to get into a ritual of, um, a more relaxed, a more calm. Mental process before going to bed. It's a great time to meditate. I don't know if folks meditate, but it's a great time to meditate. And journaling. You know, I know, not everybody likes to journal, but for me, Coming up with three things for the end of your day, that you were grateful for that day. Um, I just think it's really important to clear the mind before going to bed and I've done it both ways. I've done it where. I'm worried. I'm stressed. Whether it's my job, thinking about children. And then I wake up with this really heavy, heavy feeling. And then I've gone to bed where, you know, I'll do a brain dump of my to-do list. If there's things I'll just do a brain dump. And set it aside. And then it's there. Right? I can worry about it tomorrow, if it's so important to me. But I can at least get into a more. Calm state of mind before going to bed. And. You know, as I had stated with like the breast cancer. Sometimes accepting. The obstacles. And just working your way through them. Is also, you know, I guess, positive thinking versus. Getting into the victim mentality. And why me? Why do I have to go through this? I feel no matter what somebody goes through. There's a benefit on the other side of it. And though it may not feel like it in the moment. It may be really, you know, I've been there. I know you can be really hurting. But just take a deep breath. Just ask yourself. When you get to the other side, will you be a better person? Will you be able to help somebody else? I mean, I think I mentioned that before. Isn't. I think you get to a point in your life that you realize maybe the purpose of life is really serving others. I think in our younger days, it's all about serving ourselves and how to, how do we climb that corporate ladder and. But I think when you, when you get there and you realize, is this all there is. It's really in serving others and helping others. That you find that, that joy. And, and sometimes it's in the journey of having to get through an obstacle. That. Uh, is, is, is the purpose. So, again, just. I guess when you're faced with an obstacle obstacle asks, what is the gift? What is the gift in this? What, what am I supposed to learn? You know, I don't know what type of relationship you have with God. But put it on him. What am I to learn here? Put it on the universe. Yeah, just question, put it out there. And just that mindset. It can really shift and help you navigate difficult times. Um, With resilience and grace. So don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to challenge the universe. So. There's gotta be more to it than just okay. Positive thinking here comes a negative thought, you know? You got to stop it and replace it with something positive. Um, So, so what are some of the things that you can do? What are some of the things that I've done? One, I just talked about it's it's an effective strategy that you create before bedtime. And to help you clear your mind, do a brain dump. You know, I don't always do that, but if I have. Um, something really weighing on me. Whether it's, you know, in my family or at work. Or just even in the world, to be honest. Um, my goodness, there's so much geopolitical stress right now, going on that. Um, If we think too much about that, it we're going to succumb to that. Um, but just do a brain dump of all that stuff and just set it aside for the night. And again, you can go pick it up tomorrow, if it's that important to you, right. So that'll help clear your mind. Another thing is I've talked about is journaling meditating. Or simply just reflecting. You don't have to journal, but. Just reflect on the day in. And w what was good about the day and end the day on that? What was good about the day? I don't care what your day has been like. There's something good. Um, I know my daughter's struggling right now and going through a very difficult time. But I hear, she even finds things about her day that were good. And she'd probably challenged me on this, but. You know, Something as simple as maybe, you know, her dog, she was watching her dog and finding so much joy in playing with this tennis ball that he found. That's something good about her day. So it's finding those things. Even when you think there isn't anything. I had mentioned earlier about affirmations. So another powerful tool is affirmations. And for instance, I love this one and I'm going to have to read it just to make sure I don't mess it up. And it's from hell L rod. Um, And he wrote only by my determination to get through the situation and the divine by my side, will I get to the other side to help others? Man do I love that? Let me read it again. Only by my determination. To get through the situation. And the divine by my side. Will I get to the other side. To help others. The SIF, this affirmation has been very powerful to me and it reminds me of how strong I am. And. And of my purpose. Again, if you're looking for more structured type of guidance, I highly recommended recommend the miracle morning. And, you know, by hell of how L rod. I will do an episode on it. Um, this book it's, it's transforming lives everywhere. I love, love reading the comments, my kids. Every time they want to get something. They'll say, mom, what do you think about this? Whether it's a book, a movie, a article of clothing, whatever it is, a car. I always go to the comments, the comments, the reviews, love reading those. Um, and sometimes on Amazon, you gotta be careful because there's a lot of fake reviews out there and things, but you kind of start realizing what's real and what isn't, but. It just, this book has. It's really just, um, It's changed the lives for a lot of people. So grab it. You should get it. You know, I challenge you this week. Ju just for one week, really? Every time a negative thought comes into your head. You know, stop to say stop. And then think of something positive. If, if you can't replace. That negative thought with something positive, just totally. You know, shift. Your mind to something else, something good that has happened. Something you're looking forward to. But literally. You know, sale loud. If you have to stop when the negative thoughts come on. Just for a week, just for a week. You know, And. See, if it gets easier by the end of the week, kind of check in with yourself after a week. And. And see if you've noticed. Um, anything different. See, if you feel different. So again, try it for the week. Check in with yourself. Um, Create a personal affirmation use the one that I just. You know, I just read out loud. And if you go to the text of the YouTube video, Um, it'll be in there if you didn't write it down or just rewind this and, and write it down. But affirmation is a very, very strong and, you know, so create a personal affirmation that is. Um, that relates to your life. And. See if that helps with training your brain. Uh, to focus a bit more in the, you. You know, on the positive. So there's so many things I want to talk to you about, and I so want these to be two way conversations. And the only way to do that is. By leaving. If you're out on YouTube, please leave me comments. Please. You know, uh, give, give the video a thumbs up. If you got any benefit out of it at all. Or share it with somebody. I would love for you to share it. Or out on apple podcast, if you could leave a review. Uh, Actually. If you leave a review. I don't know if there's a way I was going to say I'll actually gift. A book, um, Miracle morning. To the first five people that leave a review for my podcast out on apple podcast. I just got to figure out how to do that. I don't know if there's a way to DM me. But I'll figure that out and I will. I will report back in. The next episode. Um, but I will gift the first five people that leave reviews that book. Um, So until our next conversation. Uh, Until our next conversation at sunrise. Remember you are enough, just the way you are. Um, you are the hero of your own story. You know, life's challenges are. Can also be opportunities. Again, I have, I've been through a lot. I have experienced a lot. And sometimes when I stop and think about everything I've gone through. Um, There's gotta be a reason have gone through it. And I believe that is to turn around and lend a helping hand to somebody else. That's what inspires me right now. Is helping others. So I love you guys. I really, really love you guys. Um, So keep with the positive mindset you can navigate the tough times with grace and resiliency. Remember say, stop, replace it with a positive thought. Um, stay grateful. And remember to witness the miracles that are around you and you know what, leave me a comment about a miracle that you've witnessed. I don't know. Uh, about the blue sky, about the sun shining about a dog. Leave me a comment. I'd love that. So until our next conversation. At sunrise. I love you.