The Power of the Mind
Our mind’s potential is underestimated. While our actions are essential and ultimately influence whether or not we achieve our goals, I strongly believe that everything begins with our thoughts. Former research has shown that actions can influence how we think, which is true. However, I also believe our thoughts and actions are clearly inextricably connected. So, which one comes first?
Based on personal experience, I believe it all begins with the mind. Moving to New York and not having a support system in the city was tough. I moved here from my hometown of Atlanta. While I love New York a million times better than Atlanta, it was hard not having my friends or family, so falling into a state of depression was easier than ever. A continuous cycle of rough patches. Mainly in the winter. Ha, seasonal depression is a thing. My life was the following: I would wake up, work for 9 to 10 hours, go back home and watch Netflix – that was my life. I stopped working out, which use to be one of my passions. I had no motivation to go out and make new friends. Literal depression. I would tell myself that I wanted to leave New York and blamed the city for my problems, as so do a lot of people.
I want to stress that your problems are nobody’s fault but your own. It’s not your boyfriends, your shitty friend’s fault or where you live . It’s yours. As simple as this is, it took me a while realize that. I knew I needed to make a change in my life and knew it started with my thoughts, which included not letting other people’s perception ruin my own. If I had friends that were having horrible experiences with the city, why let that ruin my thoughts or perceptions of my own life? If I was “depressed”, why make the decision to drop everything and leave? Was leaving going to solve my issues? Didn’t really think so. I had so many positive things to focus on and had no real reasons to be depressed. Going through a rough time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re depressed. It just means you’re living life. Literally. Life is full of rough moments, but that’s where we grow and learn the most.
I’ve been learning to appreciate the difficult moments. In fact, I’m actually thankful for them. The rough patches continue to shape me. Life doesn’t have to be hard 100 percent of the time, but it’s also not rainbows and flowers. So heck yeah for those moments where I cried. Gracias Universo. Much appreciated.
Lately, I’ve constantly been working on my mind. Mind power is huge. I’m learning how to go with the flow and not let the negative opinions of others ruin my vibe. I’m living in the capital of the world and working for my dream firm. Why focus on the negative when you can also focus on the positive? I’m not here to brag, but just want to inspire you to do the same. When I started taking responsibility for myself, I’ve been a lot happier. I started changing my thoughts, which led me to change my actions, ultimately leading to different results. I started meditating and practicing yoga. I’ve been grounding with myself and the Earth and have never felt so connected.
While we all want instant gratification and immediate results, this isn’t a thing. Self-development is a constant process that never ends. Once you solve an issue, another one comes along. If you’re struggling and think you’re going through depression, don’t look for the easy fix. I don’t recommend going on antidepressants like most of America. Start with your thoughts and your actions will follow, and vice-versa. Your mind is crucial and more powerful than you think. I’ll give you the good news, you have control over it.
