Five things you can do to shift negative thoughts to positive.

 
 

“If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.”
—Oprah Winfrey

 
 
Acrylic painting of a vibrant fall landscape

Field of Possibilities is an acrylic painting that connects you to the powerful beauty found in nature. Connecting to nature fills you with ease and joy. This is a painting of Wightman’s farm in Morristown, New Jersey.

 

What do you want out of life? Focusing on what you want your life to be rather than what it isn’t, has the power to release a lot of negative thoughts. It shifts your thinking from stress, anxiety, sadness, worry, guilt, resentment, blame, frustration, dread, or lack to possibility, hope, ease, and happiness. 

We live in strange times, and it’s easy to get caught up in all the negativity flying around. Gaining clarity can help us shift from fear back to ease and joy. First, we must remember that negative thoughts aren’t facts. They’re just thoughts, and thoughts don’t exist outside of your mind. By accepting them as thoughts, you’re telling yourself that they’re not real and that you don’t have to act on them. That helps you to stop obsessing over them.

What else can help you release negative thoughts? Try these tips:

1. AWARENESS The best way to understand our feelings is to feel them once we’re aware of them. The first step towards changing any behavior is becoming aware of it. Acknowledge your emotions and make mental shifts over time. A meditation practice can be super helpful to become aware of your inner dialogue. 

2. TAKE CHARGE Emotions don’t just happen – they originate from thoughts, beliefs, memories, and experiences. Tell yourself a different story concerning those events if you want to change your emotional state. You get to remember things any way you want. Remember it from a positive point of view, one that uplifts or gives you hope. A belief happens when you tell it to yourself repeatedly. Tell yourself something good and create positive affirmations

3. NO JUDGEMENT Let go of judgments. It’s easy for us to judge others and ourselves. Instead of comparing yourself to your peers, list the good things about yourself and your life. Replace the negative thoughts with positive ones from your list. Think of the positive traits you or the other person may have.

4. GRATITUDE For me, the best way to move from negative thoughts to positive ones is by practicing gratitude. I use a technique called the "Gratitude Formula" from the book by May McCarthy with the same name. This helps me conquer anxiety, move through procrastination or blocks, release fear and sadness, and embrace possibility and hope. The Gratitude Formula is a practice that makes way for joy. Read about it in this article, Strengthen Your Ability To Perceive More Joy.

5. ART! Lastly, to stay in that place of gratitude, place visual reminders in your home to help you stay uplifted and inspired. Beautiful and meaningful art on your wall has the power to move you emotionally. It helps keep the focus on beauty in your world and in your life. The more you see beauty, the more beauty you’ll see, and that’ll kick negativities ass!

 

Commissioning a piece of art adds a meaningful focal point in your home to connect you to uplifting and joyful emotions. I created this piece in 2021 for my collector's stunning home.

 

How do you deal with negativity? What helps you to banish negative thoughts? Please share your tips in the comments. That way we can help each other to shine.

Stay positive and enjoy all your days, whatever comes.
Love,
Leslie

 

We can spread the love in twenty-two, me and you.

 

“My advice for life: dance and sing your song while the party is still on.”
Rasheed Ogunla

The Wild Cherry Art Holiday Open House kicked ass, and it was all because of you. You made it a marvelous evening for Annie Issa Ceramics and me. I enjoyed singing and playing for you. It was a super fun night of getting together with friends old and new. We can't miss an opportunity to celebrate our one wild and precious life!

 
 

My original art shopping bags were a big hit, so I've reordered a limited supply. They are manufactured in England and arrived yesterday morning. Two are already spoken for, so click the link and get yours now! You can pick one up at the studio, we can share a coffee, and I'll show you around the place.

We've made it through another strange year. I'm taking time to reflect and honor all my wins and losses. This way, I can move forward with intention and hopefully experience more joy and meaning. I wish you and yours the most beautiful holiday and an abundance of blessings in 2022. Things will be new in twenty-two. Don't wait for life to come to you. Go out and get it, do it, be it! If I can do it, you can. I'll help you!

 
 

Let's spread the love in 22. Come to my events, commission a piece of art, tell your friends what a fantastic experience Wild Cherry Art delivers.