More often than we would like to admit, it is our mind that keeps us sick and tired. When we say it’s too hard to cook. Or we tell ourselves I don’t have time to exercise. The thoughts and underlying beliefs behind those statements hold us back from our desired goal – more energy, losing weights, being healthy.

How can you get more energy? Start to believe that it’s possible and that you will do anything to get it.  Then, and here is the important part, be positive about it. A positive outlook about what it takes to have more energy is possibly the most important aspect of getting more energy.

Our mind is incredibly powerful.  

It can make us healthy or sick. I experienced this a few weeks ago. I had gotten upset when a carefully planned out day was derailed. I couldn’t let it go. And I wasn’t doing a very good job of expressing my anger because I didn’t want to upset people. I held a lot of my anger inside.  The next morning, I awoke with fever and chills. Looking back, it’s no wonder I got sick. The heat of my anger turned into heat in my body.

I know this sounds too simplistic, but there is lots of evidence showing that the thoughts we think can make us sick. Alternatively, they can give us vitality. In the last several decades there has been lots of research showing how the ability of a cancer or HIV-positive patient to express their emotions has a positive effect on their health and makes for a more robust immune system. Researchers have also shown that a pessimistic attitude can weaken the immune system.

I call this phenomenon the Eeyore and Tigger effect. An Eeyore attitude of sarcasm, glumness, and lethargy embodies fatigue. I find it interesting that Eeyore’s house (the symbol for our body) is always falling apart.  Is Eeyore sick as well as fatigued? The two often go hand in hand.

Tigger, on the other hand, embodies vitality and energy.  He is energy. Tigger, with his positivity, optimism and enthusiasm for life, is clearly bounding, or bouncing, out of bed in the morning.

Given a choice, would you rather be Tigger or Eeyore?

If you have an Eeyore approach to self-care, dietary changes and anything healthy, it’s time to tap into your inner Tigger. But how?  Try these 3 tricks, courtesy of Pooh, to reframe your thoughts and get your energy on.

1. Cultivate child-like curiosity. When young, we will try anything. Climb trees. Jump off tables. We don’t believe we will get hurt. And even if we do get hurt, we keep going anyway. Such is the nature of childlike curiosity. In adults, curiosity is viewed as naive. Yet, Pooh is all about being naive and the adventures and joys that come along with that.  I know many folks who can’t fathom drinking something green. But by chance were they to approach that glass of green juice with childlike curiosity, they might just discover how excellent it tastes and how great it makes them feel.
2. Get insight. Every time I hear the words “I can’t” I cringe as if a door has been slammed shut. Because it has. Everytime we say “I can’t” we are closing a door on our future. Instead of slamming the door shut, look inward and ask yourself why. Use some of the Winnie the Pooh insight to find out why you really aren’t willing to change. Remember everyone can. The question is why won’t you?
3. Try your best. Pooh is known for always trying his best. This serves him well. Sure he gets into trouble sometimes, but again he always lives a life of adventure and deep friendship. One of the things I have found that has served me well in staying relapse free is I am always checking in with myself to make sure I am doing the best I can and doing everything I can to stay at my best. Sure I fall off the wagon occasionally. My body always reminds me when this happens. “Thanks body” is my response. I then get back on the wagon and do my best.

Today is your day. Go play in the Hundred Acre Wood and leap over those roadblocks. A world of adventure, only you can dream of, is waiting for you.

With love, light and energy,