When you change your thoughts, the world around you begin to change. Your overall outlook on life, your perceptions stem from the seed that you plant daily through what you think. For that reason, positive thoughts sound like a seed that produces much better fruits than negative thoughts would.

“Let us remember the age-old saying that the mind- thoughts- can move the mountains. Pessimistic, sad and gloomy thoughts, on the other hand, create inertia and force us to stay bed-bound.”

Raj Rishi

 Our minds have the ability to adapt to any changes to our thinking patterns, and for that reason we strongly believe that each and every one of us has the ability to create happiness and a sense of fulfilment in our lives, we do not need to go look for it ‘out there’. James Swarts puts it to us that experience is dualistic, it is sometimes positive and sometimes negative, however, the experience is only raw information that has no meaning apart from the way it is interpreted. In simple terms, the power always remains with us, in every situation we are always given a choice to either dwell on the negative or, to task ourselves to seek positivity in our experiences. We have the power to think positive and be grateful, and therefore, unlock the fullness of life and turn chaos into order. Spending your time being grateful and affirming positive things reduces toxic emotions such as frustration and it decreases depression.

Take time during this national lockdown to foster resilience by seeking and recognising all that you have to be thankful for. Take time to stop thinking about the wrongs committed to you, and about the mistakes you think you have committed and wondering how you could have done differently. Perhaps, you could have saved more to prepare for a time such as this, but no one could have predicted that in 2020, South Africa would be on a national lockdown. Instead, take time to be appreciative of the joys and blessings in your life right now. Simple things such as having a roof over your head, or having the love of friends and family. Gratitude and positive affirmations will surely lift your spirit and help you make your way out of or past depression.

Note : This article was published as part of a series of articles curated for the 21 Days of Realignment campaign launched by Agenda Women during the 2020 COVID19 Lockdown.