Are negative thoughts distracting you today? Do you ever feel inadequate? Have you been holding on to thoughts that make you angry and you don’t know how to let them go? ⠀

We feel you. Letting these thoughts go is so much easier said than done.

Let’s walk through a couple of simple steps to get our minds right so that Wednesday has a winning chance.

ONE. Feel it.

Feel the negative thought.⠀
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When you try to ignore thoughts and emotions instead of acknowledging them, they’ll only cycle back. Allow yourself to deeply experience what you need to feel before you start the process of letting go. Sometimes you must stand in the pain to get through it. ⠀
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I find it helpful to write down what I’m feeling. This often helps me gain valuable perspective, as well. ⠀
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TWO. Be where your feet are. Literally.

When you find yourself running on a negative hamster wheel in your mind, you are not living in the moment.
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You’re reliving the past, you’re worried about the future, you’re distracted by comparing yourself to someone else’s life, you’re holding a grudge, or you’re discontent with where you are. ⠀
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Stop and look down at where your feet physically are. Look around and notice your surroundings. Where are you RIGHT NOW? ⠀

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Being where our feet are means appreciating our lives for what they are today. Being where our feet are means being present for those who need us today. ⠀
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Someone needs each one of us today, so let’s get off of our hamster wheels and pay attention.⠀

“Remember that there is only one important time and that is now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.The most important person is always the person you are with, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future? The most important pursuit is making the person standing at your side happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.”
― Leo Tolstoy, The Emperor’s Three Questions

THREE. Look in the mirror.

This is going to be good.

Are you ready for it?

Think about the way you’d describe someone who you admire.

You may say they are: Brave. Loyal. Loving. Kind. Positive. What do you admire about that person ?

Choose three characteristics that describe them.

Now write, ” I am… (the words you chose).” on a sticky note and put it on your mirror.

We can only see things within others that we see within ourselves. Click To Tweet

We can only see things within others that we see within ourselves. We find that the same characteristics that we admire in someone else in a moment of struggle are also the very things that will help us win our present battles. Noticing the admirable traits in someone else means you have the same characteristics inside of you. The power lays in where you choose to put your focus today.

Look in the mirror and see the strength already within you. You’re already winning.

Look in the mirror and see the strength already within you. You're already winning. Click To Tweet

This post was taken from last week’s #WinWednesday email series. Want to get encouragement in your inbox every Wednesday morning?

Photography: Nancy Center Photography
Styling: AK Events
Clothing: Valerie Boutique | Franklin, TN
Location: Simply Pure Sweets | Murfreesboro, TN

A huge thank you to each of the incredible women who were part of our fall photoshoot for Urban Southern: Lisa Underwood, Lavy J. Little, Cindy Patton, Jackie Wilde, Madison Underwood, and Ivy Rhodes

The post Dear Wednesday, it’s time to look in the mirror. appeared first on Urban Southern.