We all have them, but how do our thoughts affect our daily life? Many of us never consider the amazing power imbedded in our every thought.  Neglected and ignored, many thoughts pass through our minds and the effects are not realized and analyzed.

But each of our thoughts has meaning, a purpose, and a rationale for entering our mind.  Let’s look at some of the current research that centers around our thoughts.  Here’s the important question to consider:

Do your thoughts bring a balance and harmony to your day or do they create a fearful chaotic world that produces anxiety?

What do we know about the quantity of our thoughts?

• Scientists believe we have 60,000 thoughts a each and every day
• When you look at the fact that you have so many thoughts, it is astonishing to realize this is one thought per second (in our waking hours)
• 95% of those thoughts are repetitive (ones you had yesterday and the day before). Wow, no wonder it is so hard to break destructive thought patterns!
• 80% of repetitive thoughts are negative.

How do negative thoughts affect us?

• The National Institute of Health measured the flow of blood to the brain and found that positive thoughts create calming and tranquil message that benefits the brain
• Negative thoughts stimulate areas of the brain that produce anxiety and depression.
• Poison vs. Medicine: Negative thoughts are like poison and positive thoughts are like medicine that produce harmony and balance.

How can we change our thoughts to create new positive ones?

• Reality check: Remember that all of your thoughts aren’t always true.  This means it is important to analyze thoughts for accuracy and reality.
• Don’t believe everything you think. Be willing to question your thoughts and ask if this is really true or just an intuition or fear.
• Focus on gratitude and try to be grateful for the positives you have (your family, your job that supports you, a nice place to live, a beautiful day, good friends, etc). Grateful people are happier people and they hold on to positive thoughts and experiences.