Reimagine Your Thinking
How often do we read things and then leave them with no other thought to follow up or use for purposeful application?
I have one of those daily calendars that has a tear-off quote each day. There are many days I forget or overlook it and move on with no consideration for reflection. I think to myself, “I really should slow down long enough to at least contemplate these inspirational phrases.”
Often I wonder how much of the little things I miss by speeding past the small details in life.
If we stop long enough to evaluate how to reimagine things better, what benefits can be gained?
This is a particularly skillful strategy that can be applied at any time to create a strong guide for our leadership strengths. Our thoughts can be an untamed force that shapes our perception of reality. How we choose to harness that energy is critical to our mental and emotional health.
In the 15th century, The Bishop of Geneva, Saint Francis de Sales was credited for the motivational saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” It remains one of my all-time favorite expressions in life and the ONE tear-off page that I always save from my calendar each year.
I have often used this inspirational phrase with my students as we unpacked it together and wondered about its purpose. Using a few synonyms for this expression, it could be revised in my own words as — “Thrive in the place where you are cultivated.” A little twist that cleverly recreates the meaning.
Two little letters that carry a powerful punch are RE.
To do it again. A prefix that is ordinarily common and easy to understand, yet it has the capability to change the entire meaning of a word with just one small syllable.
Our thoughts about the course of events in life can be shaped into anything we want them to be. It’s bound to be a huge game-changer if we give it an honest try.
I’m a firm believer in sharing practical approaches in hopes to better reimagine our thinking. Let’s journey through three of them together…
First, explore your wonder.
Acknowledge who you are and why you are here. You don’t have to have all of the answers but you can confidently investigate what you love to do and how you want to do those things. Allow your curiosity to find a path you have never taken before. We all have aspirations that we’d love to see come to fruition. Think it over. Put it on paper. Dream big.
There are those times when you think back on the past decisions and choices that you made with regret. Some are seemingly small, some hold greater significance. However, there is no shame when it comes to learning from those experiences and understanding how to move forward with a grateful heart.
Next, consider taking risks.
Oh, that’s a risky little game, you might think. Well, think again. REthink. What do you have to lose? The thing that is holding you back could actually be the exact catalyst to propel you forward as you take that step in faith. Start small. Take those unpredictable opportunities in disguise and use them to your advantage.
Shape your mindset to see challenges in a new light. Develop the capacity to acknowledge your perception of positive beliefs and hopefulness. Celebrate your mindfulness and appreciate your worth rather than resist it.
Finally, change your mind.
Frequently give yourself the freedom to hesitate and reverse your decision. We are not created to be static and unmovable. Take that U-turn and follow a different direction.
Refine your intentions. Your course of action should include those finishing touches that are distinctively designed to set you apart from the crowd.
Build your unique blueprint. Polish the rough edges with accuracy and excellence to SHINE. Follow the path that you feel comfortable with. It may not be the popular alternative, but it will be the right one for YOU.
Recognize your strength and exercise awareness with joy.
We can reimagine our thinking together.
