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Change Thought of the Week
Since 2007, employees at The Change Companies® have benefited from weekly ideas that encourage living a joyful life. With topics that offer tips for healthier eating habits, strengthening relationships and increasing daily activity, we think these weekly thoughts are too good to keep to ourselves.
You can find a new Change Thought right here every week. You also can subscribe to Don Kuhl's Mindful Midweek, a mid-Wednesday memo that includes our Change Thought, a "word of the week" and reflections on the benefits and practices of positive behavior change. Click any of the items below to see our past thoughts of the week.
July 23-29, 2012: Unplugging
Unplugging
July 23-29, 2012
In our technologically wired world, much of what we do involves a power cord or plug. But imagine the benefits of giving yourself an entire evening of unplugged living. Power down phones, computers and TV’s and share quality time with loved ones instead. Leave lights off and watch darkness fall naturally. Keep radios and iPods silent and make your own music, or just enjoy the quiet.
This week, I will give myself one unplugged evening to reconnect with my surroundings, my loved ones and myself.
July 16-22, 2012: Furniture Fix
Furniture Fix
July 16-22, 2012
The look and feel of your home can get a bit stale when everything stays in the same spot for years at a time. When you want to make a change to your home environment, often the first impulse is to buy new stuff. Instead, try rearranging what you already have. Repositioning your furniture, for example, can renew your appreciation and enjoyment of your home, and it saves money too!
This week, I will move one piece of furniture in my home, and enjoy seeing my space with new eyes.
July 9-15, 2012: Dance Party for One
Dance Party for One
July 9-15, 2012
Dancing is a good way to get active and have fun. It’s often a social activity, but it doesn’t always have to be. Having a dance party for one, even for the length of a single song, can help you feel energized and refreshed. And depending on how much you’re moving, it can be great exercise!
This week, when I need an energy boost, I’ll turn on a favorite song and throw a dance party for one. I will enjoy the revitalizing, heart-thumping benefits for hours to come.
July 2-8, 2012: Vegging Out
Vegging Out
July 2-8, 2012
A vegetarian or vegan diet has long been promoted as a healthy and environmentally friendly way of eating. Many people, however, have a hard time committing to such a big change. Going veggie doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition though. Small changes made over time can have a positive impact!
This week, I will swap out at least one meal centered on meat or animal products for a vegetarian or vegan one. I will celebrate this small change as a step toward big results.
June 25 - July 1, 2012: Attitude of Gratitude
Attitude of Gratitude
June 25 - July 1, 2012
In the midst of a busy day, it can be easy to take simple positives like nice weather or a delicious meal for granted. Research has shown, however, that when people write down a few things they are grateful for every day, their brains begin to redirect energy toward sifting out and storing these positive moments; writing down gratitudes can actually change brain chemistry!
This week, I will cultivate my awareness of the things in my life that I am grateful for. I will write down at least three gratitudes each day.
June 18-24, 2012: Best Times of Day
Best Times of Day
June 18-24, 2012
Many of us are familiar with the distinction between early birds and night owls. But what about masters of the mid-morning? Afternoon aficionados? Evening enthusiasts? Studies have shown that different people have different blocks of time throughout the day when they feel most alert, productive, creative, and sharp. What if you scheduled your day so that you make the most of this time?
This week, I will pay attention to my own best time of the day. I will prioritize my most important or intellectually rigorous tasks for my most energetic hours.
June 11-17, 2012: To Not Do
To Not Do
June 11-17, 2012
A to-do list is a great way to prioritize tasks, decrease stress and remind yourself of what it is you want to get done. But what about the things in your life that you want to experience less of? One helpful method of avoiding unhealthy habits or behaviors is to create a “to-not-do” list. A daily or weekly “to-not-do” list is a great way to stay conscious of your actions.
This week, I will create a “to-not-do” list and use it to practice identifying and avoiding specific habits and behaviors.
June 4-10, 2012: Do the Work
Do the Work
June 4-10, 2012
Strong relationships don’t appear out of thin air. And yet, many still talk about “finding someone” as if by chance. The magic of a relationship is not found, it is created. The work that goes into this creation might include planning a surprise for someone or taking the time to practice honest listening, speaking or reflecting.
This week, I will consider one thing I can do to strengthen an important relationship of mine. I will remind myself that extravagance and magic are no match for hard work and sincerity.
May 28 - June 3, 2012: A Calculated Splurge
A Calculated Splurge
May 28 - June 3, 2012
Adhering to a strict healthy-eating regimen can be exciting for certain people and flat-out boring for others. How can you stay motivated to make healthy food choices? Here’s one possibility: splurge. Strategically planning splurges can re-energize your healthy eating efforts. Think of it as taking one conscious step backward in order to move two steps forward.
This week, if I feel my motivation for healthy eating becoming stale and stagnant, I will consider the benefits of a calculated and reasonable splurge.
May 21-27, 2012: Healthy Stress
Healthy Stress
May 21-27, 2012
“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.” This quote from composer Leonard Bernstein emphasizes that stress can serve a purpose in our lives. Whether meeting deadlines or overcoming life challenges, we can use our stress to move in a positive direction. A healthy balance is important: too much stress can be physically and mentally harmful, while too little can leave us unmotivated.
This week, I will find a healthy balance of stress and use it to complete a lingering task.
