Hello, hello!
Today I want to talk about a concept that I’ve been sharing with my health coaching clients and loved ones this week. The idea first came into my consciousness during a yoga session last weekend.
I’m usually an optimistic, genuinely happy person, but since I share real life stuff on this blog of mine, I don’t mind admitting that I’ve just been experiencing a bit of a down feeling that I haven’t been able to quite shake. When I woke up last Saturday morning feeling like I was kind of in a funk, I decided that I was going to start my day with a yoga practice to stretch my sore muscles and soothe my soul. I did a class via YogaDownload, and decided to do a post-class meditation afterwards to further clear my head and open my heart.
The concept of the Outlaw Yoga meditation (<– which by the way, Outlaw Yoga is perfect for those of you that don’t gravitate towards the stereotypical yoga instructor vibe. The founders are these tattooed, long haired, cool guys that teach with live music being played in the background) was cultivating an attitude of gratitude by looking at things from “got to” to “get to.” The premise is that if you alter your mindset with a more heart-centered approach, you’ll be able to cultivate a constant reminder of gratitude in your life.
How can we use this concept in our daily lives? Here’s how I’ve been practicing it:
Rather than, “I’ve got to do this work assignment and I’m dragging on it,” I think, “I get to do this work assignment because I’m fortunate enough to have a job and be making a living – working from the comfort of my own home office no less!”
Instead of, “I’ve got to take my dog for a walk,” I think, “I get to take my dog for a walk because I have a healthy body that can walk however long I want, a pet that I love to death that is healthy and energetic, and it’ll allow me to get some time outside on this busy day.”
Instead of, “We’re running out of some kitchen essentials so now I’ve got to go food shopping,” I think, “I get to go food shopping, because I’m blessed to live in a place where healthy food is accessible, and I have the means to buy whatever food of my choosing.” [Side note: I actually like food shopping, I just am usually rushing to get it done in the midst of a busy day!]
These are a few of the ways that I’ve been trying to apply this technique to my everyday life. It’s a process and it isn’t always easy, but I like the way that it flips my perspective into one of more constant gratitude. I’m even getting my husband in on it, as he just said to me the other day about his never-ending hours of MBA schoolwork, “I get to do schoolwork tonight because I’m lucky enough that I have the opportunity to further my education, right??”
Precisely!
Today as you go through your day, I encourage you to explore the ways that you may be able to change your mindset from “got to” to “get to.”
No questions today, just share your thoughts if you’d like!
OH man, I love this so very much. Today I will be using “get to” phrases all day long. Thank you!
Oh man… I needed this today. I can’t wait until we have time to catch up!
What a great idea to reframe your thoughts throughout the day. I will practice this today!
This is great advice — so many times we look at the downside of things instead of what we should be grateful for. Positive self talk is huge in having a good attitude! I need more of this in my life, so thanks for the inspiration!
This is such a great approach! It is definitely something I need to keep in mind, especially because although I’m a generally positive person, sometimes living in a different country can make simple tasks seem stressful and overwhelming. I need to look at the positive parts of what I’m doing instead of the negative. Thanks for sharing this!!!!!!!