I’m learning that small changes in thinking can reap huge benefits. One way I have been learning to reframe my thoughts is by changing how I express what I would typically term an obligation, recognizing that I have a choice in my actions. For example, instead of saying I have to do laundry, I say I want to do the laundry; instead of saying we need to go grocery shopping, I get to go grocery shopping.
I applied this yesterday at the pool, when I was saying to my son how much fun it was; I started to say, “We should do this as much as we can,” then amended myself, saying, “I want to do this as much as we can.” Instant refocus on my enjoyment of the present moment, instead of on future pressure, guilt, or obligation.
So the mantra I’ve been repeating to myself lately is Like to, Want to, Choose to, Get to. One day I was sharing this with my husband and kids, and my boys took this phrase as a fun rhythm to play with as they went about their games, which made me smile. These are the kinds of things I want to be a part of their way of thinking as they grow.
Like to, Want to, Choose to, Get to.
It might seem insignificant, but it has given me a greater sense of peace and control to think that I’m not merely weighed down with obligations and things that are happening to me, as well as fostered gratitude for even the mundane and less pleasurable tasks. I’ve also noticed it helps with my kids, who often ask, “Why do we have to?” It’s hard to argue with, “We don’t have to. We get to.”
What small changes in thoughts or perspective have made big differences in your life?
Grace Write Here 
1)) Many times it is better to be kind than right.
2). Today I will . . .