Finding Peace by Changing Our Thoughts

A book I read recently has changed the whole way I am approaching my life as the caregiver for a husband with Alzheimer's.  Richard Carlson's STOP THINKING AND START LIVING has made a profound impact on every aspect of my days and nights.  He encouraged me to make a commitment to be happy no matter what.

Interestingly, I have a friend who has managed to be happy her whole life, even though she's been through some awful things: having her husband join a cult; two divorces; being mugged; losing her job.  She doesn't have a lot of money, but she has a joy for life that is unmatchable.  I had never thought that I could possibly be like that.

Here is a list I made for myself from Carlson's book:

DON'T HURRY - SLOW DOWN

BREATHE

LISTEN TO THE QUIET

FOCUS ON ENJOYMENT

THE PAST IS OVER (INCLUDING THE AWFUL THING THAT JUST HAPPENED 5 MINUTES AGO)

ALL WORRY IS A WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT

I AM THE THINKER OF MY THOUGHTS

HAPPINESS IS A FEELING, NOT AN OUTCOME OF EVENTS

THE FUTURE AND THE PAST ARE JUST THOUGHTS

LIFE IS RIGHT NOW

LET IT GO

PRACTICE