[If you'd like to hear the audio version of this blog please follow this link: https://soundcloud.com/lex-mckee/blog-ten-good-friends

I am active - feeling full of energy

I am enthusiastic - showing eagerness

I am alert - being quick to notice and act

I am interested - wanting to be involved in something

I am attentive - paying close attention

I am inspired - feeling the desire to do something

I am excited - looking forward to things

I am determined - being resolute, showing determination

I am strong - feeling able to cope with difficulties

I am proud - feeling a real sense of achievement today.

Saying these out loud simply feels good.

I am sure we all recognise these ten good friends. If you are a fan of practical psychological tips, you're likely to have come across several experiments where hearing positive words and phrases has improved the listeners' mood and state. When surrounded by positive words, there is a tendency for humans to behave more tolerantly and to be more generous.

I've been told, "Be careful what you wish for!" But far more fundamental is, "Be careful what you think about!" What we think about has a habit of expanding until it consumes our attention... and everything we think about has an emotional charge associated with it. Our ten good friends have a positive charge, and they work well together. They are worth thinking about often.

So I got thinking to myself, "What would have to happen for all ten good friends to join me today?" It will be different for all of us, but it's a fun exercise which I am recommending to you.

To feel full of energy, I certainly would have to have had a good night's sleep - one undisturbed by bad dreams or too many loo breaks! A good shower and an excellent coffee would allow my child-like curiosity and enthusiasm permission to emerge. I'd also be naturally alert - especially in the morning - my best time. So, assuming I wasn't aware of anything boring or horrible in the day ahead, I'd be off to a great start with at least three good friends. And knowing how positive friends, like birds of a feather, are likely to flock together, I'm sure the other magnificent seven would check-in somewhen during the day!

I wonder what would jump-start your day in a positive way?

Would you share?

Lex

A Moodscope member.