nominated | Jackie Parry

Writing 3 positive comments each day for 5 days has created a lot of interesting remarks. One of my favourites is from a fellow barge owner and friend Carole Eardman Grant. ‘I read a book by a lady who made it her project to keep a journal of daily positive thoughts and gratitude for a whole year. It changed her life!’

I had to find out who this was. The lady’s name is Elizabeth (I’ve yet to find her surname), but you can find her blog here.

She says that the experiment was only supposed to last for six weeks. ‘At the end of that time period, my readers voted for me to continue the blog for one year.’

Click here to read an inspiring interview with Elizabeth.

I was amazed to read some of the outcomes of Elizabeth’s experiment:

Mindset felt lighter and my actions more positive
Thinking positively was now a way of life for me
Discovering that the creation of negative thoughts are not meant to hurt us but to protect us
I have found that I am less weighed down by things that used to plague me: responsibilities, stressful situations, trying to please others
I find I laugh easier and have a much stronger sense of myself and my wants

It is pretty powerful stuff! Here are my 3 positives for today:

1. I’m receiving lots of lovely, positive support (via the internet) while dealing with flood waters and a rather large (and worrisome) tree caught under our boat.

2. The tree that has attached itself to our boat is causing passer-bys to stop and say ‘hi’. I’m enjoying talking to many people from different walks of life – the tree is an ice-breaker.

3. I am part of a fantastic new group on Facebook called Women on Barges (WOB). I am having a lot of fun ‘meeting’ new people with a kindred spirit from all over the world and sharing advice, stories and offering support.

On day 1 I nominated some friends to take part in writing positive thoughts, but I think I’ll just leave it open. Please contribute if you wish, I’d love to know your positive thoughts (here and on your timeline!)

I’ve been nominated by my lovely friend, co-writer and co-adventurer Linda Frylink Anderson to post 3 positives each day for 5 days and nominate 2 friends to do the same (each day).

I recently posted a blog about my rules on using Facebook and I notice that 99% of people use this medium for positive news and information.

Positivity is the key. I have a friend who lives in Australia who doesn’t like making New Year Resolution lists. ‘Why set your-self up for a fall,’ she says. ‘I like to make a list of all my achievements that I’ve accomplished during the last year.’

I think this is a great idea. Thinking, focusing and remembering the positives in our day to day lives has other healthy consequences too.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Julie A Gorges, fellow blogger, author and freelance writer has just written a post on The Connection Between Health and Happiness, she says, ‘ . . . . and you’re probably aware that since negative emotions harm the body, a positive, optimistic, and happy outlook on life will help your physical health.’

That’s exactly why I like this kind of nomination. I am guilty of having a good pointless whinge. I can let negativity pick me up and carry me away. So, to have to sit and write positive comments for 5 days will do me the world of good.

Let me know if you’d like to be nominated. And, in the meantime, here are my three positives for today:-

1. The pouring rain is giving me an opportunity to sit with my visiting family (mum, dad & nephew) and just talk, and have many giggles playing cards.
2. The small leak in the wheelhouse window makes me appreciated that the rest of the boat is dry and warm. How lucky am I to have a great boat and home.
3. My mum thoughtfully helps with the washing up at every meal. Catering for five everyday (when I am used to just two), is a fair bit of work in the small galley. Mum is Chief Washer-Up, which is so very much appreciated.