When we were children, my mother set and sustained a very specific boundary around guests. No one was allowed to come over unless they had received an invitation or had gotten in communication and were granted access. She was so successful at modeling this boundary that I adopted it by default when I became an adult. If anyone were to come to my home unexpectedly, I would honor my boundary by refusing to open the door.
This made me reflect on how certain thoughts that pop into our minds are like uninvited guests. These are thoughts that do not serve us such as limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. Despite the physical boundaries that I set around my personal space, for years I'd allowed my mind to be a wide-open and revolving door that was never locked when it came to unhelpful thoughts.
As you grow along your journey, I invite you to rewrite your policy on the thoughts that are allowed to occupy your mind. Just like pop-up ads on your computer, if you click on them, they can be extremely harmful to your system. Install a personal pop-up blocker.
Here are a few strategies to support you as you redirect this chaotic cognitive crowd.
Ring the Alarm. Have you ever approached a property that has the Ring alarm system? Even if you didn’t notice it, you will suddenly hear a voice saying, “Excuse me, how can I help you?” This is because the owner is alerted that there is motion through the app and can see your every move via video.
Apply a similar system to your thoughts to see these mental trespassers and call them out before they cause harm. I’ve literally stopped stinking thinking in its tracks and said, “Hey! What are you doing here? You are not helpful right now. Goodbye.”
Don’t Open the Door. I’ve had close friends stop by my home unannounced. They could clearly see my car, and maybe even saw me peeking through the curtains. I still never opened the door, and obviously they eventually left. Many of the thoughts that come are familiar, but you still don’t have to let them in. If you do, they don’t have to stay. You can swiftly see them out then close and lock the door.
Create an Invitation. Become more present to and intentional about what enters your mind by inviting the feelings and thoughts that you do want. Identify a word that represents how you want to feel right now, even if it is far from how you are actually feeling. Write “I am…” in front of that word and turn it into an affirmation. Now speak it out loud. Do this at the top of each morning.
This week I challenge you to examine your interactions with the thoughts that come to you and set a boundary that serves your journey. Would you sit and watch a mosquito sucking your blood? No, you’d swat it away and tell it to get the hell on! Do the same with soul-sucking thoughts that drain your energy and distract you from your goals.
No thought has the right to take up residence without your permission. Assert your authority accordingly.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am the manager of my mental space.
I am honoring my boundaries.
I am inviting and affirming my desires.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide