How To Easily Influence Your Outlook On Life

Before I had children, I loved watching CSI Miami. I’m not sure what it was about that show, but it was my DVR binge.

One night, I was out walking my dogs and a car slowed down as it drove past me. I saw a group of men inside, looking me up and down, assessing my dogs. Were they protectors that would bare their teeth or goofy companions that would wag their tail?

A few minutes later, they drove by me again, this time much slower.

My world turned to slow motion. I imagined them pulling over, wrapping me in duck tape, and stuffing me in their trunk. Not wanting to leave my fate to these men, I yanked my dogs’ leashes and dashed across my neighbor’s yard into my house, bolting the door behind me.

Inside the safety of our house, I checked to make sure all the windows were locked as I called my husband at work, scared of what I had just witnessed. As the phone rang, I peered through a tiny crack in the curtains… and saw their car pulling up in front of our house!

My heart exploded and I stopped breathing. I considered hanging up and calling 911.

But then I took a conscious breath and had a mindful moment.

By separating myself from the fear I was feeling for just a second, I was able to get a better look inside the car and assess the neutral reality of my situation.

In the car, I saw teenage boys, barely old enough to drive. They had toilet paper in their hands and grins on their faces. It looked like they were scoping out which of their friends’ houses to TP first, and they seemed to care nothing about me or the house I had run into.

Only 30 seconds ago I thought they were rapists and murderers.

Luckily, that experience helped me make the connection between my paranoia and the amount of time I spent watching CSI Miami. So I found a different show to binge watch.

“A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.” 

~Mahatma Ghandi

What informs your thoughts?

Beyond the conditioned beliefs you inherited in your childhood, your thoughts are influenced by your associations: who you hang out with and what you watch, read, and listen to.

Now’s a great time to do an Association Audit. Think of your associations over the past 30 days. How positive and uplifting have your associations been? Is what you’re watching, reading, listening to, and who you’re spending time with contributing to your highest self?

If the answer is no or anything less than “My associations are amazing!”, it’s time to make a change.

Delete the news apps from your phone. Download a personal development book on Audible in place of that serial killer sequel. Bob to some Bob Marley instead of letting Wolf Blitzer bend your ear.

YOU have great influence on your outlook of life. It starts with the associations you choose.

Choose wisely my friend and#haveitall!

Lots of love,
💜 Your Coach,
Sara