After reading a series on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Money Saving Mom, I realized it would be a good idea to apply the same principle in my life. This year (as mentioned in my previous post), I will work on developing just one good habit a month.
“A Habit A Month” will be an ongoing series on this blog for the entire year. At the beginning of each month, I will be posting the habit I hope to develop; and at the end of the month, I will be posting an update on how well (or how badly) I’ve fared.
Why “A Habit A Month”?
- I find that when I try to make too many changes to my lifestyle at a time, they tend to fizzle out within a
monthweek. - It is easier to concentrate on just one habit at a time until it is developed.
- I am hoping that 31 days is more than enough to make the habit part of a lifestyle.
- If I am not intentional about becoming a better person, it might never happen.
- Blogging about it keeps me accountable.
So, without delaying any longer (Its already Jan 11th – but better late than never, right :)) I present to you… for the month of January…
The Habit of Positive Speech
My husband, my primary critic / cheerleader, recently pointed out that I had started speaking negatively on a regular basis. It came as a shocker to me, as I had long thought of myself as a positive person. Years of reading books like “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale had taught me to have a positive outlook towards life. But now, it certainly looks like my mind & my mouth need a double dose of optimism.
That is it then. I am going to be intentional about being positive. To be optimistic & to make sure my speech reflects it. I only hope this doesn’t backfire and I become that crazy over-the-top optimist – you know, the one who stands out in a thunderstorm looking for the sun, LOL!
If you like this idea, why don’t you take this up as a challenge? Focus on just one area in your life that needs an overhaul and make it the habit you want to develop this month. It could be as simple as waking up early or spending time with God everyday. This would be an opportunity for you to actually take a step forward and work on that one good habit you’ve always wanted to develop. Or kick that one bad habit that has always been nagging your conscience. Are you up for it? Who’s with me?
I am linking up with:
Akka, … you are doing a fantastic job by sharing this with us. I was wondering how we are goin to speak positive words and you said the answer ” It could be as simple as waking up early or spending time with God everyday.” Yes. I am going to do this taking more time. every day it would be 10 minshort prayer and fast reading of bible chapter trying to put at least one word of what i read into the mind.
Love you.
God bless.
Good going Merlin! Keep up the spirit. God bless!
I have discovered that faithfully keeping a gratitude journal makes it impossible to remain negative. Writing my morning “Today I am grateful for….” and ending the day with, “Tonight I thank God that He blessed me with…” takes 20 seconds total, but starts and ends every day with a focus on God’s great grace.
Vicki
http://www.joggingtothefinishline.wordpress.com (my cancer journey)
http://www.minnesotamornings.wordpress.com (about anything BUT cancer!)
Thank you for the comment Vicki.. I am going to take your advice and do just that – sandwich my To-Do list with gratitude! And I love your blog.. I am amazed at the inspiration that flows out through you in the midst of your difficulties. God bless you!
Sheens, there is another great book on positive thinking called ‘the secret’ by Rhonda byrne……its a nice book which teaches us to talk, think positively…..but through the middle of the book thought i was focusing more on being positive and relying on myself than focusing on my relationship with God and going every moment to Him for my guidance. But then there are beautiful verses in the bible where Jesus tells us to be positive.
Matthew 6:25-34
Philippians 4:6-7
Thank you for your thoughts Emmie.. God showed me the exact verses from Philippians for this year. I’m still learning to be positive when things aren’t going quite so well 🙂 God bless you!
Sheena, your blog helped me right in time of my need! Thanks & God bless you lots to share more thoughts!
Praise God! And thank you Piya for the encouragement. God bless you!
What a shocker to me, too, when my husband told me the same thing! I have been less diligent, but reading/listening to the Bible in 90 days has helped with my pride and attitude, praise God!
Forgot to mention that I am so glad you linked-up last week! Do consider making it a regular thing…love this post!
Thank you, Jacqueline! Looking forward to linking up with you every week. God bless you!
Hi You won my TCM giveaway Yea!!! Send me your e-mail so I June can get you your copy.
Thank you Kasey! So excited to have won… Just shot you an e-mail. God bless you!