The Optimist's Creed

Some people believe that being depressed is a choice. I'm not going to go into the difference between clinical depression, general unhappiness and all the gradients in between, but what we do know is that our mind is capable of far more than we give it credit for, and it can at one time destroy us and at another be our saviour.

If you have a tendency to fall into depression - whether that is a lack of self belief, negative self judgement, blame, low confidence, etc, on those days it is likely that you will achieve little and feel worse by the end of the day.

Rather than focusing on the fact that days of depression stalk us, what if we were to focus on the fact that on other days we feel optimistic...? Stalked by optimism! If you could store all those feelings of optimism in a powerful symbolic weapon - like a Star Wars lightsaber - which could destroy any feelings of negativity at one stroke, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?! You could keep it under your pillow and grab it on the mornings when depression and negativity had got past your defences during the night, and obliterate them in one swipe!

This is how many people use mantras and affirmations. Below is The Optimist's Creed, from the book The Secret. You could do worse than start the day reciting this, or even some of it. Why not try it out? You don't have to be depressed to use an affirmation, just determined to fill your mind with thoughts that serve you rather than those that will do you no good at all. My boyfriend reads a mantra every morning, and frequently shares it with customers at The Drawingroom. You can find his 'lightsaber' on The Drawingroom website.

The Optimist’s Creed by Christian D. Larson

I promise myself

• To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
• To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
• To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
• To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
• To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
• To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
• To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
• To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
• To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
• To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
• To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
• To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Have an amazing day!

Martin Luther King Day - What is YOUR dream?

Today is Martin Luther King Day. When I was at university, we celebrated Martin Luther King Day, commemorating a man whose passion and determination continues to inspire people the world over.

Mr King fought and died for freedom and a 'colour blind' society. He is best known for his 'I Have a Dream' speech, words which were to inspire not just the world as it was then, but as yet unborn generations.

Along with Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, whose teachings he followed, Martin Luther King never gave up on his dream, however impossible it must have seemed at times, and whatever risks were involved.

On this day, of all days, ask yourself, "What is MY dream?" And if you find yourself thinking that dreams don't come true, that perhaps you don't believe you're capable of making it happen, remember Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and others, who never gave up, and step by step, took action to build, inspire and motivate thousands until their dream became a reality.

Want to start working on your dream? Come to my Going for Gold Goal Setting Workshop on Friday 28th January, 10.00-12.00, in Aylesbury, cost only £35. Email me for full details: amydeane@springtolife.co.uk

Judge not... we all make mistakes

It's so tempting isn't it? To take the high ground when someone does or says something wrong. In fact, we do it without thinking. We make a judgement. We stand aloof and virtuous, pointing our finger at the 'bad person' - the one who has fallen from grace. How do you feel in that moment? Outraged? Superior? Justified? Smug? A little bit of all of the above...? Be honest!

And I bet whilst your judgements are running through your head, you're thinking, "I would never do a thing like that!" That's surely the implication anyway. Ask yourself the Byron Katie question: "Is that true? Is it really true?" In their shoes are you absolutely sure you wouldn't have done or said the same thing? At the very least, you might have considered it.

We ALL make mistakes, we are all human, and humans are the most fallible creatures on the planet. Perfect? Not me!

Forgiveness and compassion are far worthier responses, and I'm sure they carry better karma.

Think twice before you cast that disapproving glance or share the news of someone's misfortune.

Judge not... it could be you next time.