Communication is at the heart of almost all our problems and successes. Wars start and end with communication, as do relationships, careers, and just about everything we are involved in. 

However, communication is not just an act that occurs between us; it also occurs within ourselves. 

The way we talk to ourselves is crucial. Experts estimate that our minds process between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts per day (around 2,500 to 3,300 thoughts per hour!).

These thoughts– a deluge of information– pick up information from what we see, hear, taste, and experience. These senses are articulated into words that form into thoughts, which pass from the conscious mind into the subconscious. Therefore, the content of our consciousness is based on that which we choose to focus on.

Here’s an example. Growing up, I absolutely hated broccoli. My mind was made up. Then, in my early twenties, a date took me to a Thai restaurant and ordered broccoli for us. I didn’t want to give her a bad impression, so I talked myself into eating it, a little at a time. I can get through this, I told myself. Think about how good this is for your body. Think about how great it is to try new food. I focused on noticing what was positive about my experience, rather than on what I had trained myself to think: that broccoli was disgusting. 

Never underestimate the power of the conscious mind. You don’t have to end up loving broccoli; you just have to know how to enjoy a date when there is broccoli on your plate. 

Personally, I am a big fan of positive affirmations. 

Years ago, I was in a bad place. In my quest to figure out my life, I stumbled across these affirmations. I read them to myself, daily. 

I am joyful and becoming more joyful each and every day.

I am prosperous and becoming more prosperous each and every day.

I am healthy and becoming healthier each and every day.

I am loving and becoming more loving each and every day. 

I am happy, and becoming happier each and every day.

I am smart, and becoming smarter each and every day.

I am fit, and becoming fitter each and every day.

Did I change overnight? No. But, over the course of weeks and months, my life did change.

I was definitely more joyful.

I was definitely more prosperous.

I became happier, smarter, more fit; everything changed. 

So, be picky about the way you talk to yourself and the information you put into your subconscious mind. Staying connected to how we communicate with ourselves changes the way we think about everything. Including broccoli! 😉