Warning: Your First Thought of the Day is trying to Ruin You

Mine was, I hate my life.

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Have you paid any attention to the very first thought you have upon waking? For months after a tumultuous divorce my first thought was, “I hate my life.” Anyone else thinking that today? I knew at the time it wasn’t the best idea to give the thought ground, but let’s face it. I did hate my life. My marriage of 23 years dissolved, my eldest son signed up for four years of Army duty during the Iraq war, and my youngest was rebelling to almost every household rule I had. Yep, I was aware that it wasn’t a good way to start the day. But I held on and justified this thought because it was true.

If Henry Ward Beecher is correct in his quote, “the first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day,” day after day, I was setting sail in a negative direction.

I didn’t realize that I had control over the first thought, and at that point, I wouldn’t have listened anyway. After months of groaning the phrase and rolling over to the sound of the alarm, I was ready for a change. It’s not that the thought stopped coming to me as I opened my eyes each new day, but I learned I can replace it with something (almost anything) else. In time (months!), the hate my life thought was completely gone. It stopped showing up.

Today my first thought was about writing. It was inspiring and gave me the idea for this article. I have found in those sleepy moments between sleep and the new day, I can get inspiration for the day, set a path for what I want to do, or just say to myself, “hey Linda, I love you.” It’s a self-esteem boost to actually say to yourself, I love you. Sometimes I thank God for my warm bed and home. Then the thankful list goes on from there. All this before I get out of bed. Click here for inspiring morning quotes.

Even if you have a bad morning, you can “restart” at any moment of the day. If you have an event that trips you up as the day goes on, try restarting. It happens first in thought, then actions surround the thought. For instance, if you heard back from the car dealership that your car will cost $500 to fix, your thoughts start going down the rabbit hole of scarcity, worry, and defeat. Stop, reset, and shift into neutral with your thoughts. Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Allow ideas to come as to how you will overcome this issue. Think of the quote that started your day. See what happens.

My son is often discouraged with his life. He shared with me a song he listens to first thing every day by Alex Aiono. I encourage you to click on this link. It will encourage you too. It’s one of the most inspiring songs I’ve heard. Even if this isn’t you, you may know someone who could be given a glimmer of hope to change the day by listening to this song.

Nightmares and mistakes
Swim around in this bed that I made
No, the past doesn’t change
But we’re pushin’ past it today

Go get up!

We all know there’s turmoil everywhere in the world right now. Thinking of the turmoil as your first thought won’t change what’s happening. Use those precious first few minutes, before the world pushes in on you, to choose a positive, strong, compelling thought. Having trouble finding one? Try repeating a quote or a phrase that touched your inner positivity. When reading a quote that does this, write it down. Keep it on a card by your bed and turn to it when nothing but bad enters those sleepy first moments. Do whatever you can to reverse the thought. If it’s the rudder of your sailboat for your day, then it’s worth giving it something upbeat for guidance.

Honestly, your situation could seem too overwhelming to work this into your life. Please reach out to a therapist, a life coach, or someone who has your best interest in mind. This too will change your life and set you on a better path. These outstanding people have dedicated their lives to help others find a way to happiness. They are smart, compassionate, and have heard it all! It’s time to to trust someone professional to help.

As Alex Aiona says in his song,

….it might be the day, where nothing’s right
Might be the day that changes my whole life
You never know, they both start with good morning.