Tired of the same-old, same-old inner thoughts, dialogues and questions that have created turmoil for too long? Do the old thought patterns add colour and joy to your life experience? If not, why not trade them in for a 2008 package that comes with all the bells and wisdom? What holds you back from going on a test run into some new and interesting territory?

The old thought patterns from the fear-based package:

• Rerun scary, sad stories of being blamed, wronged and victimized. That can produce lots of difficult activity in the gut and throat area.
• Ask yourself questions that trigger shame, self-blame and bad outcomes. 'What's wrong with me? Why did I zig when I should have zagged? What is going to go wrong, now? Why does this take so long? Will I ever learn?'
• Make internal accusations about yourself and your perceived inadequacy. 'I am so stupid, lazy, a failure. These obvious attacks can be masked in our thinking by generally benign-sounding statements like:' Here I go again! I'm doing it again! Good grief!'
• Over-focus on everyone and everything but your own needs and wants. In this pattern, you basically lose yourself. Your thoughts focus outside yourself and ask questions like:' What does she think about that? What does he need? How can I help them?' If some self-care ideas creep into your awareness, there may be guilt feelings to deal with.
• Create scary thoughts and images about the future. These impact our bodies as if they are real. Stress and anxiety are produced by our creative stories, myths and beliefs. 

Getting ready for the heart-based package

To practice the new system, begin by grounding yourself by feeling your feet. Once your feet are rooted and your breathing becomes deeper and slower, bring your focus up into your heart. Feel your heart. To get there, focus on people, places, situations that produce an inner smile, love and warmth.

So let's get into gear and try some of these new mental pathways

Some new thought patterns from the heart-centred version:

• You live in the present moment so that your inner thoughts are expressions of what your senses are experiencing: pleasure or pain. In this process you make discernments not judgments about your sensations. For example, if you are experiencing pain, your focus is to treat yourself with love and compassion. Then you can investigate the reasons and how you can stop the hurting. This pattern keeps our self-esteem intact. Instead of saying mean things or thinking beliefs that blame, you focus on loving steps to alleviate the pain.
• When upsetting old rerun stories or myths come into your thoughts, say STOP! and refocus on the present moment.
• The questions that you ask yourself are empowering and encouraging. 'What can I learn from this? What am I really trying to avoid? Is there something that I am grateful for? How can I respond with a loving heart?'
• Write down a list of your strengths, values and personal traits. Read this paragraph or list entitled, My Truths, whenever you start to self-denigrate.
• Begin to rediscover yourself through self-curiosity. What is my favourite (fill the blank)? What gives me joy, pleasure, contentment, energy? Whenever you get over-focused outside yourself, go back to your inner questioning and discovery.
• When you get triggered, your first priority is self-management, taking care of yourself and what you can do to get grounded and back into your heart.
• Name when you are creating a drama in your head. Then you may be able to let go of it. Or, if not, ask yourself questions to discover the purpose for the drama.
• Use the power of your intention to keep the mental practices in process. "I choose to". For example, "I choose to stay focused on the lesson that is here for me to learn and take action that will bring more clarity and change for the highest good."
• Use the feelings of gratitude as frequently as possible. Be aware of the blessings that are in your life and focus on them as a way to expand your energy and positivity.
• Exercise, dancing, singing, nature, wholesome food and plenty of water are good tune-ups to help maintain positive energy and promote healthy thoughts. 

A few suggestions for daily rituals:

Upon waking and before getting out of bed, come into your heart, by feeling grateful for all the people, opportunities and abundance that is in your life now. Focus on your intentions for the day and give thanks for them as if you have received them. Then, you can put individuals, families, and countries in Divine Light and ask for the highest good of all.

Before going to sleep, go into your heart and give thanks for the people and events of your day. Feel the pleasure that tomorrow may bring. (Some days we may need to dig deep!)

So there are a few good reasons and suggestions to up-date your thinking skills for 2008. We imagine that the process is so difficult but it is so simple. Create loving feelings and then do your thinking and decision-making from that place. Your inner world will become more peaceful, pleasant and if you are consistent with your up-grades, even joyful! What a deal! You can't afford to pass it up!

 My heart sends out loving energy and warm wishes to your heart and we are all one!

 Namaste.

Remember

Self-awareness is the 1^st key to change. Taking action with small steps to create a shift is the 2^nd key to change.