Subscribe to Earn Your Happy on iTunes. Quick…what are you thinking RIGHT now? Are they positive thoughts filled with love and gratitude? Or are they low-vibe, energy-sucking thoughts that make you want to eat a can of worms? If you’re the latter… don’t eat the worms! Kidding, but seriously, I do want to discuss the power of thoughts and how those thoughts affect your current situation. I don’t know about you, but I’m fascinated with research – especially when it’s connected to the power of thoughts and changing outcomes. Currently, I’m reading the book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza, and he discusses how by shifting our thoughts from being a victim of our circumstances we can instead cause an effect that creates a different outcome. Nerd alert – I get so excited reading about studies like this. Dispenza shares research that directly links changes in DNA to positive thoughts. Did you read that? Changes in a person’s DNA!! Isn’t that amazing?! He advises though, that it’s not just about positive thoughts. Within the testing groups of one of the mentioned studies, the changes were only seen when there were positive thoughts AND feelings that went with them. “It’s not just the thoughts, but rather the intentions behind them.” We have the power to change our outcomes – just thinking and feeling different things. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m realistic. We’re not all going to wake up singing happy songs and dancing, but that’s exactly why we practice rituals that help get us present and shift into gratitude. “When you feel grateful, you attract more to be grateful for.” If you wake up feeling crappy, I get it! Acknowledge that crap sandwich, but don’t eat it! Feel those feelings, but don’t stay there. Give yourself some time, vent to a person if you need to, but MOVE ON. “Get rid of the thoughts that aren’t serving you, because that’s the outcome you’ll be living in.” Quickie Tip: Don’t let the idea of changing ALL your thoughts at once bog you down. This is not an all-or-nothing approach. The next time one of those negative Nelly thoughts comes for a visit, recognize it for what it is and choose to make your next thought just a little better. It’s those baby steps that lead to the most impactful and sustained growth. In This Episode You Will Hear About: How thoughts affect outcome Positivity Cause and effect Gratitude Resources and Books The Bliss Habit Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.