TL;DR:
- REthinking things is a strategy that can be applied to shape our perception of reality, which is critical to our mental and emotional well-being.
- This post shares 3 practical approaches to guide you to rethink better: Dream and explore. Take risks. Change your mind.
- We can shape our thoughts about the course of events in life into anything we want them to be. Follow your path.
How often do we read things and then leave them with no other thought to follow up or use for purposeful application? I have one of those daily calendars that has a tear-off quote each day. There are many days I forget or overlook it and move on with no consideration for reflection. I think to myself, “I really should slow down long enough to at least REread these inspirational phrases.” Often I wonder how much of the little things I miss by speeding past the small details in life.
If we stop long enough to evaluate how to REthink things better, what benefits can be gained? This is a particularly skillful strategy we can apply anywhere, at any time, to create a strong guide for us in our leadership strengths. Our thoughts can be an untamed force that shapes our perception of reality. How we choose to harness that energy is critical to our mental and emotional health.
Bloom where you are planted.
In the 15th century, The Bishop of Geneva, Saint Francis de Sales, was credited for the motivational saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” It remains one of my all-time favorite expressions in life and the ONE tear-off page that I always save from my calendar.
I have used this phrase often with my students as we have unpacked it together and wondered over its purpose. Using a few synonyms for this expression, it could be REphrased as, “Thrive in the place where you are cultivated.” A little twist that cleverly REcreates the connotation.
We can shape our thoughts about the course of events in life into anything we want them to be. It’s that impactful and simple if we give it an honest try. Click To Tweet
“RE” – Two powerful letters.
RE – Two little letters that carry a powerful punch. To do again. A prefix that is ordinarily common and easy to understand, yet it has the capability to change the entire meaning of a word with just one syllable.
We can shape our thoughts about the course of events in life into anything we want them to be. It’s that impactful and simple if we give it an honest try.
I’m a firm believer in sharing practical approaches in hopes to help guide you to REthink better. Let’s journey through three of them together…
Rethink Better: Dream. Explore.
First, explore your wonder. Acknowledge who you are and why you are here. You don’t have to have all of the answers but you can confidently investigate what you love to do and how you want to do those things. Allow your curiosity to find a path you have never taken before. We all have aspirations that we’d love to see come to fruition.
Think it over. Put it on paper. Dream big.
There are those times when you think back on the past decisions and choices that you made with regret. Some are seemingly small, some hold greater significance. However, there is no shame when it comes to learning from those experiences and understanding how to move forward with a grateful heart.
Rethink Better: Take risks.
Next, consider taking risks. Oh, that’s too scary, you might think. Well, think again. REthink. What do you have to lose? The thing that is holding you back could actually be the exact catalyst to propel you forward as you take that step in faith. Start small. Take those unpredictable opportunities in disguise, also known as risks.
Shape your mindset to see challenges in a new light. Develop the capacity to acknowledge your perception of positive beliefs and hopefulness. Celebrate your mindfulness and appreciate your worth rather than resist it.
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Rethink Better: You can change your mind.
Finally, change your mind. Frequently give yourself the freedom to hesitate and reverse your decision. We are not created to be static and unmovable. Take that U-turn and follow a different direction. REfine your intentions. Your course of action should include those finishing touches that are distinctively designed to set you apart from the crowd.
Rethink Better: Follow your path.
Build your unique blueprint. Polish the rough edges with accuracy and excellence to SHINE. Follow the path that you feel comfortable with. It may not be the popular alternative, but it will be the right one for YOU.
Recognize your strength and exercise awareness with joy.
We can REthink better together.
About Jillian DuBois
Jillian DuBois currently serves as an elementary school educator in Clearwater, FL. She has worked both in public and private educational settings for over 20 years. Her passion is to initiate, instill, and infuse joy to those in educational leadership through blogs and podcasts. Jillian uses her voice to help foster hope for student equity and empathy. Outside of school, you will find Jillian outdoors, soaking up the sun and surf, or finding new paths to hike with her husband and son. You can visit her website here!
