Happy Thoughts

(Breathe Easy by Dawn Okoro) The mind is a powerful thing. As a tool, it should not be underestimated; and just as we train our bodies to play sports, wake up on time for work and watch it morph as it caters to motherhood, we can and should do the same with our minds.

I watched part of series last night, discovery channel, that was called 'The Science of Lust' (the episode is accessible on youtube). It was fascinating to watch how simple cues made persons more likely to make choices or react in particular ways.

This led me to think about how our behaviour - and moods - are affected in similar ways. Think about it - you break up with someone and you start listening to Barry Manilow, or fill your playlist with man/woman bashing/I never wanted you anyways tunes. But all those songs do is send messages and remind you of the loss and regret.

Recently I've been struggling with demons past - or ones I thought had past - and I remembered that what you imbibe is what you become. So while your loneliness may lead to you reading romance novels or spending the evening with an *ahem* erotic movie, that just feeds on your existing emotion, making it worse.

Instead, try to surround yourself with positive people, events and media. For example, my playlist for the gym included songs like 'Sex Room' by Ludacris (love Luda, and that song) but obviously I don't need sex on the brain when I'm single, that's just adding injury to insult. So, I've taken to modifying my playlist to offer a healthier 'diet' of music that makes me happy:

Golden - Jill Scott
Superstar - Lupe Fiasco
Rock DJ - Robbie Williams
Black and Gold - Sam Sparro
Loca - Shakira
Dance Tonight - Lucy Pearl

and I throw a little soca in the mix, to keep it even more lively;)



We all need reminders of where we want to be, so we don't pine for where we were. We often forget that the past is just that, and with reason. Focusing on the future, especially for women, is an important part of growing and waiting for what you really want. Soak your soul in positivity - the music/movies you listen to and watch, the people you associate with and the thoughts you encourage.