The Positive Chain Experiment

[5ft Diva]

I want to start something called the positive chain experiment. I just want to see if it'll work. I think it will but I'm curious to know how. Here's the deal: today I realized I hear so much negative and to counteract it I need to hear about twice as much positive in my life, thus, the positive chain experiment. I want to start a chain of positive experiences for let's say 21 days...and it can't be broken. If it is, we won't know if it really worked. (I'm picking 21 days because they say thats how long it takes to form a new habit.)

Anyway, my suggestion for the rules (and we can add to them as we go along) are: NO NEGATIVITY!!!! Absolutely none. If you need to complain, go to another thread and do so but not on this one. This thread is strictly dedicated to positive quotes, stories, experiences, etc. You name it, the sky's the limit. It just has to be something positive, encouraging, uplifting, etc,. This also means that if you had an experience that was 99% positive and 1% negative, share the 99% here and the 1% on another thread. I can't stress this enough. I'm really interested to know how much that 1% affects us when we don't give it the attention we otherwise would. I'm wondering by the end of that 21 days if it will be difficult for me to function on any sort of a negative frequency. I'm wondering if it will be difficult for me to find anything to complain about. I'm curious to know what kind of people or music (or whatever) I'm drawn to after the 21 days is over. I'm wondering if this one little change (just this thread) can make a big enough impact on my entire life in 21 days. I want to know how powerful "positive energy" can be when it's not broken for 21 days. I want to find out if it really is just the small stuff that makes the difference - the little changes. I really want to see this in action. I'm wondering if anyone is willing to join me since I want to be surrounded by positive energy not just looking for it. I hope this thread makes sense. Like I said, we can add or change rules/suggestions as we go. This means that this experiment will end on October 11th and then the fun part begins, the evaluation. Anyone game?

Anyway, I started the positive chain w/ this positive idea so who's going to create the next link?

[Mamallama]

I love this idea 5D.

I'm going to start with gratitude. I am so grateful for the Sunshine. I love how much the sun shines here in Utah. It makes my spirit soar. I am grateful to be able to look out my window at the mountains in one direction and the lake in the other direction. Such beauty all around, it amazes me.

I am grateful to live in a free country where I am allowed to have as many children as I am able, and/or to adopt children if I am able to. I can educate my children at home, and/or send them to school. I can practice my religion and teach my religion to my children and anyone who would like to hear, without suffering any consequences for doing so.

I am grateful to have food in my cupboard, clean water to drink, a roof over my family's head and clean clothing for us all to wear. We have a furnace to keep us warm in the cold months and a swamp cooler and fans to keep us cool in the hot months....and a refrigerator to keep our food fresh.

I have great neighbors all around me, and a wonderful family whom I love, and who love me.
I am so blessed. What more could I ask for?!

What a wonderful life with so many opportunities abounding around.

Thank you 5D for starting my day off on the right foot.

[5ft Diva]

This morning I found myself whistling the tune of "My Favorite Things" and I can contribute it to the gratitude you shared, ML. Thank you! I think this is what it feels like to be "happy"!

[LostnFound]

I love Autumn. I welcome the cooler weather. My husband surprised me with a drive up the canyon the other day and it was spectacular. The falling leaves and changing colors have always represented to me that nature is getting ready to take a rest. Fall also means a rest for me from all the busy and wonderful Summer activities.

I love the new smell in the air. I love pulling out my sweaters.

I love the thought of all that has been harvested from gardens and farms. What was once a seed has grown throughout the summer. I love to cook soup and chili in the crockpot throughout the day to warm my families bellies in the evening.

I love pumpkins on all of the porches. I even love Football on television and hearing all of my boys cheer for their favorite teams.

What a wonderful season!!!

[runamyrun]

What a great idea!

[Erudite]

Oh, I SOOO need this. What an inspiration you are, 5D!

I just got May's G Conference on DVD and while I love the talks, it has been the music of the choirs that has brought me to tears of joy. I love that positive feeling of songs and thoughts and feelings that you never want to end. I especially was impressed with Come, Come ye Saints from the Saturday afternoon session. How impressive the choir is, and you hear that song and just can't help thinking of the grandeur of pioneers...whoever and whereever and whenever they are. I can't wait for October's Conf!!

EDIT: You know what? I'm going to make a little goal for myself to contribute something positive every day for the next 21 days. Is that ok? If so, this is entry #1. I can't go into the reasons this would be good for me, because that might be negative, but let's just say, this would be good for me. Is that ok?

[bookworm]

I love this idea, too, 5D.

I love this time of year- I love sleeping with the windows open, wearing sweaters in the morning, looking at the mountains and watching the colors change, starting to think about the holidays coming up, etc. I just love it. This is when I start baking again, and that is one of my favorite things.

Erudite, I think that's a good idea, to add something daily and see what happens. I think I'll pull out my whiteboard and markers and begin a list. Maybe the kids would like to help!

Positive experience today: I took down the large, heavy bunkbed in my DD's room all by myself- I've wanted to take it down for weeks, and it happened today! Also, my DD has learned to buckle her own seat belt this week- hooray!!

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by Erudite

EDIT: You know what? I'm going to make a little goal for myself to contribute something positive every day for the next 21 days. Is that ok? If so, this is entry #1. I can't go into the reasons this would be good for me, because that might be negative, but let's just say, this would be good for me. Is that ok?

Okay, this made me laugh. Yes, it is okay for you to make an entry every day. Goodness, make one every hour. It's more positive for me and the rest of us!!! I can't wait to hear what you have to add every day to this thread...I was thinking along the same lines as you. I could see a difference in my whole demeanor last night after starting the thread - I just can't wait to see where I end up and how I end up in 21 days! (that's also after GC!)

[char]

It just dawned on me today that there's only two weeks to go until I see Imahoot again. I absolutely cannot wait as her and I get along so well.

It seems like she often knows what I'm thinking before I say it and she's always so nice. I only get to see her a couple times of year and each time is just as special as the first time we met.

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by bookworm

Also, my DD has learned to buckle her own seat belt this week- hooray!!

I never think about how little things like this can make all the difference. Thanks BW for sharing! I love basking in the enjoyment of the little things that happen all around us.

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by char

It just dawned on me today that there's only two weeks to go until I see Imahoot again. I absolutely cannot wait as her and I get along so well.

It seems like she often knows what I'm thinking before I say it and she's always so nice. I only get to see her a couple times of year and each time is just as special as the first time we met.

LUCKY!!! Have fun girls!

[5ft Diva]

Since starting home school my son has been getting a full night's sleep EVERY SINGLE night! This is awesome!!!! I love that I can choose what will work best for each of my children individually. It truly is a gift.

I love the bright sun that has been greeting me every morning. It's such a great way to start the day!

[runamyrun]

I just want to post something fun that happened last night. Did any of you go last night to see Gary Hogg? During the assembly in school, he had the kids each write a story about a potato. Then he walked around and picked one child out of each grade and had them go up with him. Then he asked them questions to add more details to their stories. I guess he picked my son out of the first graders. It was so much fun to hear the story my son had written. He has a fun personality! My son told me that he wants to write a book and be like Gary Hogg. I thought that was so cute!

[Meticulous madness]

My family makes me happy and weekends make me happy!

TGIF!!!

[char]

I got off work early today, my weekend started early, YAY!

[Mamallama]

Three cheers for all of these happy reasons you've all posted. It all brightens my day and causes me to look for the joy in my day.
I'm happy listening to my older kids laughing together in the basement, and listening to my youngest playing cars out back with his friend....

I came across this thought today:

Seligman's Theory:

Happiness has three dimensions that can be cultivated:
"The pleasant life" is realized if we learn to savor and appreciate such basic pleasures as companionship, the natural environment and our bodily needs.

We can remain pleasantly stuck at this stage or we can go on to experience
"The good life," which is achieved by discovering our unique virtues and strengths and employing them creatively to enhance our lives.

The final stage is
"The meaningful life," in which we find a deep sense of fulfillment by mobilizing our unique strengths for a purpose much greater than ourselves.
Here's to discovering A Pleasant, Good and Meaningful Life!!

[bookworm]

What great thoughts, ML, thanks for sharing!
Today I finished painting DD's bedroom I'm so happy! It looks really nice. I love the shade of purple we chose.

Also today, we enrolled in health insurance. I won't go into why, but this is something which brings me much happiness and even excitement. I am at peace with this at long last. I have such a secure feeling of faith in my Heavenly Father who has helped my DH to provide for our needs.

In focusing on faith, I keep thinking of the scripture, "be still and know that I am God". Take a deep breath or two, relax and trust Him. Feels good, huh?

Tonight I get to go to a recipe party at a neighbor's house, and I am looking forward to getting to know her better. I am really excited to go socialize with some new friends and get to try some new foods too!

And I realized that, since you started this on a Wednesday, Diva, the 21 days will end exactly one week before my 35th birthday! What luck for me!! Increased positive energy is just what I wanted. Thank you!

[mxmama]

I have been working on my endurance the past few weeks.
Swimming, treadmill and free weights.
I already see/feel a huge improvement!

[mxmama]

BTW

Great idea!

[5ft Diva]

Oooh, I love that quote, ML! Thanks for sharing.

BW, very interesting!!!!!! (....and hope you had fun at your party!)

I just finished watching a movie w/ my kids tonight. I love movie night!