When Things Are “Off” - Look at Your Projections

vision board

Last Sunday our minister, Rev. Jenn, told a story that referenced the silent movie scene we think we know so well of the heroine being tied to the train track by the villain. In her story she told how the silent movies were taken from town to town out west and played in tents. One cowboy watching the movie became so upset that he stood up and shot at the villain on the screen. Of course, the movie continued to roll and no one was worse off except for a couple of holes in the tent.

Her point was that if the action was going to be stopped, the cowboy needed to turn around and shoot at the projector.

The concept is that it is our personal projections affect our lives.

We are all familiar with the idea that what we focus on expands. Our thoughts matter.

If we project out negative thoughts, we can affect our overall mental being. Our self-esteem and confidence wane and this will hurt our personal growth and happiness. We can talk ourselves into becoming sick. We limit our opportunities for growth and happiness.

Lately I feel that I have let myself fall into that trap. A while back I had a bout of AFib. I went through a procedure that got my heart back in rhythm. But I was still feeling tired a lot. And I worried that there was still something wrong with my heart. My mother died of heart failure at the age I am now. I kept running bad health scenarios through my head.

While I think it is important that I follow up on any medical symptoms, I also feel that by dwelling on them too much, I was projecting ill health on myself. I started to pay more attention as to when I was feeling so tired. I realized that when I was working with my clients, I actually felt physically much better than when I was at home alone. My mind was focused on helping them and not myself.

If we project positive thoughts, positive effects can happen in our brain and body. Optimistic thinking can improve your immune system and promote cardiovascular health. Positive thinking can literally change the structure and function of your brain and help you enhance your immune system.

If instead of believing that you are weak, you believe that you can build strength, then you are much more likely to form habits that will allow you to do just that.  

Visualizing and projecting your desired outcomes helps you achieve your goals. It helps you to make a plan and set steps in motion to make your vision come true.

Affirmations or positive statements or phrases that help you maintain a positive goal-oriented mindset are another great way to project positivity.  Affirmations should be written like goals – in the present tense. You are projecting that what you visualize is already available. This causes you to act with belief in your ability to achieve your vision.

"If you dislike anything you are experiencing in your life, transform your mindset, redirect your energy, and choose differently."- Rev. Jenn

I challenge you this week to look at anything that feels “off” with your life and investigate what thoughts you are projecting in your mind.

If you are ready to work on completing or reworking a project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. You could complete a small project or set up an organizing plan during the call. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.