5 TRICKS TO NIX THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
You know you’re guilty. No, not for eating the last cookie, but for beating yourself up about it. “You’re fat.” “You’re a slob.” “You have no control.” These thoughts probably swarmed through your head as you ate the tasty treat, and they probably lasted long after the cookie was a distant morsel of a memory. Negative self-talk can lead to feelings of worthlessness, higher stress levels, and depression. The more lies you stock yourself with, the more you’ll believe them. Practice positive self-talk and stop trash talking yourself once and for all with these tips — you’ll thank yourself. • Think Possible: When you feel bad already, saying untrue, yet positive, words to yourself will just make you feel worse, as your brain is attuned to the lie. “Think possible” and think true, neutral thoughts instead of full-out negative or positive lies. Instead of saying, “I’m fat,” try saying, “I want to lose 10 pounds. I know what I need to do.” This neutral spin is an opportunity to choose a plan of attack instead of wallowing in your negativity. • BFF Buffer: When thinking negative thoughts, ask yourself if your best friend would agree with the negativity you’re spouting. Most likely, your best friend would disagree with you
when you say, “I’m so stupid.” (If you think the person would agree, then you need a new BFF!) Also, if you wouldn’t say something to your friends, don’t say it to yourself. • Nickname Negativity: Give your inner voice a name. You get bonus points if it’s absolutely outrageous and hilarious. Addressing “Negative Nancy” when she pops into your head will add levity to your negative thoughts and help you focus on positivity. Over time, it will make your negative self-bashing plummet. • Phone a Friend: If you embarrass yourself by saying something you wish you could take back, call a friend as soon as you get in the car or back home. Shame is only shame when we keep it to ourselves. Once you tell someone the nitty-gritty details about your faux pas, it won’t seem so bad, and you will most likely laugh about it in the end. • Work It: When you become your own best friend, life is easier. Embrace yourself in all your imperfect, flawed, and quirky glory. When you practice positive self-talk, you will be less stressed, happier, and free.
LAUGH WITH US
SLOW COOKER RASPBERRY WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE Ingredients
• 1 cup white chocolate chips • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk • 2 cups heavy cream, divided • 3 cups milk (any variety will do)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 4 tablespoons raspberry liqueur or syrup
Directions
1. In a slow cooker, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, 1 cup cream, and milk. Cover and heat on low about 2 hours. 2. In a large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. 3. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. 4. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with about 1 tablespoon of raspberry liqueur or syrup to taste and a dollop of whipped cream.
(Recipe inspired by SlowCookerGourmet.net.)
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