How to Develop the Building Blocks of a Strong Mental Foundation
Ready to put yourself to the test?
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I recently read an article by Chloé Garnham in which she explores the positive daily routines practiced by Louise Hay, a motivational author, publisher, and founder of the Hay Foundation.
The piece caught my eye as I’m a long-time admirer of Louise Hay and her work. And while she passed away in 2017, I’m thankful that her legacy continues to live on.
After reading Chloe’s story, I was motivated, inspired, and ready to put myself to the test.
Many of the strategies explored in the article were familiar methods that I’d been using in some form or fashion. But recently, I’d allowed my old friends, doubt and fear, to nudge their way back into my life.
Frankly, they’d overstayed their welcome and it was time to face the facts: I needed to recharge my life. And the timing felt right.
The next morning as I lay in bed, I made a promise to myself — one I vowed to honor and stick with.
“Today, I commit to being calm and peaceful.”
Not only did the words sound good, I became excited at the prospect of giving myself permission to do exactly that. Tossing the sheets aside, I headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and a light breakfast.
A few hours later, I was on the computer searching for an airline flight for an upcoming trip.
I’d spent the last few days scouring the internet for one that would work with my schedule and budget. But time was running out and I needed to get off the stick and book something.
A few searches later, the perfect flight popped up. I had a discount coupon, which made the deal even sweeter. After filling in the reservation details, I added the coupon info. Everything looked great, and within minutes, I had a record locator number.
Being calm and peaceful apparently had its benefits.
Later that afternoon, I received an email from the airline indicating there had been a payment failure. I immediately called the phone number, wondering how the flight could have been confirmed online if there were this kind of underlying issue.
I spent the next hour enduring an unpleasant series of confusing conversations and long hold times waiting for a customer service rep to identify the problem. Apparently, their records showed my coupon as being expired, even though I had received written communication from the airline that it had been extended for six months.
Still, I wasn’t getting anywhere, so I asked to talk with a supervisor. Another 30 minutes of being battered back and forth and put on hold finally resulted in the coupon being accepted.
Throughout the ordeal, I kept reminding myself how I began the morning, despite my escalating stress level. Eventually, my calm returned, accompanied by a peaceful sense of accomplishment.
The next morning, I committed to being reflective.
Reviewing the confirmed flight reservation, I thought back on what it took to obtain the ticket, reflecting on the experience and conversations with both the customer service rep and supervisor.
Before starting this personal improvement experiment, I might have been less patient, less tolerant, and less mindful of my words and behavior. I might have ended up saying something I shouldn’t have or hanging up — neither of which would have achieved the desired result.
Fortunately — and in spite of the challenges — I kept the promise to myself to be calm and peaceful. And reflecting back on the conversation, that mental fortitude was exactly what I needed to maintain that state of mind.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized this affirmation process was more than a way to refocus my thoughts.
Starting each day with a new aspect of improving my mindset had evolved into the beginnings of a strong mental foundation — each commitment a building block that would reinforce my resolve and serve me in my life journey.
Tomorrow I’m committing to be open. By continuing to carry my previous commitments forward, I know I’ll be able to approach life as a calm, peaceful, reflective, and open person.
Who knows what the day will bring?
Whatever it is, I’m thankful to those who continue to teach and inspire us, even after they’ve moved on to a better place.
In health & happiness,
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Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, Life in Small Doses, and Please God, Make Me A Writer. Her books, videos, and newsletter explore life, relationships, self-improvement, health, and personal success strategies for working through the challenges of everyday life.
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