Defining Your Mindset- Choosing Happiness
On of my personal favorite mantras is “Choose happiness.” I believe that our mindset, what we choose to believe, the thoughts we tend and allow to grow and the acceptance we allow ourselves is all within our control. I am awestruck by people who have overcome adversity with grace and somehow, gratitude. My life is mine. I choose how to face the events that come to me. It is not easy and I find TED talks as micro-bursts of wisdom, motivation, insight that help me in my journey. I have selected some of my favorite mindset matters TED talks to help you in choosing your mindset. How will you choose to face today?
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The Three A’s of Awesome- Neil Pasricha
The three A’s of awesome: attitude, awareness, and authenticity. Pasricha offers insightful and humorous advice about how to develop your mindset toward happiness. It is how we pay attention and what we choose to be thankful for. Although life can throw at us terrible events and tragedies, it is the thoughts that we allow to grow that shapes how we will deal with those tragedies.
This TED talk reminded me of an old Cherokee tale I read once about the tale of two wolves, representing the battle within us all for peace and happiness in our lives.
The Tale of Two Wolves
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.
“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.- Louie Schwartzberg
There really are no words to describe how beautiful this TED talk is. Both in the imagery, but also in the thoughts that it instills. Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk talks about gratitude and how to approach each day as a gift. You must listen. You must share it with someone you love. Begin your day with this.
“You think that this is just another day in your life…
It’s not just another day.
It’s the one day that is given to you – today…
It’s given to you.
It’s a gift.
It’s the only gift that you have right now…
…and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.” -Brother David Steindl-Rast
What Reality Are You Creating for Yourself?- Isaac Lidsky
“You are the creator of your reality.” I love Lidsky’s perspective on fear. That the fictions we allow ourselves to believe become what we live. That we are accountable for our happiness, but also our unhappiness. We are empowered to create happiness. His vision is enlightening.
How will you embrace this day? What questions will you ask yourself? Will it motivate your mindset toward happiness? I hope these TED talks have been helpful for you in your journey toward a more authentic life.
Wander well.