I’ve always envied people who are naturally happy. The ones whose first reaction to everything is just... positivity. For me, it’s never been like that. It takes SO much work to train my brain to not default to the negative. It’s been a work in progress for years where I constantly start, fall off the horse, and then have to find the energy to restart all over again. But then I heard @eileengu talking about neuroplasticity—the fact that our brains are actual muscles we can train—and it shifted how I looked at my mental space. I realized I should be pouring just as much intentionality into my thoughts as I do into my home. I’ve been making a little bit of progress lately by incorporating these tiny, habits: • Gratitude journaling. I know it sounds silly, but this one simple act has helped shift my mindset more than almost anything else. • Giving myself grace. If I’m having a bad day and the negative thoughts are winning, I don’t get mad at myself anymore. That just perpetuates the cycle. Now, I feel the negativity, I analyze why it’s there, I acknowledge it... and then I let it go. • Celebrating micro-wins. Instead of just checking a goal off a list and moving on, I’m actually stopping to celebrate the positive wins. It’s about reinforcing those good feelings so they actually stick. These tiny changes are starting to make a difference. Do I still spiral? Absolutely. Especially with the state of the news cycle right now. But the spirals are shorter. They’re recognized faster. And they’re being overtaken by positivity more often than not. It’s not perfect, but it’s practicing. And that’s what counts. If you’re in this season of trying to reclaim your mind, too... join me. 🤍