Hi friends,

I've been paying more attention to my thought patterns lately — especially the way they can shape my expectations without me even realizing it. This week I listened to a 3-part series with Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson based on their book You Can Create an Exceptional Life. In it, they spoke about the impact of your thoughts on how you experience the world.

This, in conjunction with last week's reflection, had me noticing the little things I repeat out of habit. Although I generally try to be kind to myself, what I found was pretty eye-opening. For example, I’d catch myself saying things that aren’t even true — just because being critical or self-deprecating feels easy, or even funny in the moment.

It doesn't take much to slip into thought patterns like:
“I’m too old to…”
“I could never…”
“I can't afford...”
“I don't know how to…” etc etc etc

The thing is, your brain is wired to find evidence for whatever you tell it. Neuroscience calls this the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which acts as a filter that scans the world for proof that your thoughts are “true.” If you tell yourself you’re too old, your brain starts gathering examples of why that’s right. Alternatively, if you tell yourself you’re capable, it looks for proof of that instead.

You can basically find evidence for almost anything — so why not choose thoughts that benefit you instead of ones that hold you back?

Every time you practice this you’re not only reframing your mindset, but literally training your brain to notice more of what uplifts you.

Reframe Prompts

Having trouble choosing a better feeling thought when you believe so strongly in the original? Try tracing it back.

Pick one limiting thought and walk it through these questions:

• What’s a thought I repeat that doesn’t serve me?
• Where did I first learn this thought?
• Is it actually true 100% of the time?
• What happens if I flip it into its opposite — how does that feel?
• If my best friend said this about themselves, what would I tell them instead?

Breaking a thought down like this takes away its power and opens the door to something new.

Louise Hay put it perfectly: ​
“It’s just a thought, and a thought can be changed.”

As always, be kind to yourself. This is your life, and it is constantly expanding. If you catch yourself thinking thoughts that don't feel good, gently acknowledge and release.

You're worth it. Love you.
xo,
Christen

PS - Just like training your brain to notice what uplifts you, Human Design gives you a framework for what to look for in yourself. My Insights Reports are on sale in my Etsy shop through the end of September if you're curious about how you’re wired to make decisions, where you may get stuck, and how to reframe into what serves you. Click here to learn more.