Day 48 of 100 Days of Hope
Positive Reframe: 5 Ways to Feel Good Because You Deserve It
Day 48 of 100 Days of Hope
By Julie Burningham, The Hope Coach
Do you ever catch yourself spiraling into negative thoughts? That inner critic can be loud — always reminding us of what we should be doing better, or what we haven’t yet accomplished. But here’s the truth: criticizing ourselves has never led to a happier, healthier life.
It’s time to practice a positive reframe — a shift in how we think and feel about ourselves and our circumstances.
When you notice a negative thought, try this:
What is the thought you are having?
Is it true?
Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
Turn it around.
These four questions open the door to freedom. You’ll start seeing how many of your thoughts are simply habits, not truths.
5 Ways to Feel Good Right Now
I was noticing one of my kids getting stuck in a negative loop, and it broke my heart. Then I realized — we all do it! The good news is that we can re-train our brains to focus on what feels good and true. Here are five ways to begin:
1. Delete Energy Drains
Take a good look at your phone. Which apps steal your time and leave you feeling worse instead of better? Delete or limit them. Creating space for inspiration and creativity is one of the quickest ways to shift your energy.
2. Breathe Deeply
Three slow breaths through your nose, deep into your belly, can calm your nervous system and reset your brain. Try it right now. Feel your shoulders drop, your thoughts soften, and your heart open.
3. Let Go of Old Beliefs
So many of our limiting beliefs come from the past. They might have once protected us, but they no longer serve us. Imagine giving them a hug, thanking them, and watching them float away like clouds across the sky.
4. Receive What’s True
Truth is all around you. Read scripture. Call a friend who uplifts you. Watch the sunrise. Inspiration is everywhere — your job is to notice and receive it. When you act on inspiration, you move toward joy.
5. Love Yourself Right Now
This is the most powerful one. Place your hands on your heart and say, “I love you.” Scoop that love onto your body if it helps you feel it. You don’t need anyone’s permission to love yourself — you get to choose it.
Why Positive Reframing Works
Our brains were designed to protect us from danger, not to help us thrive. That “saber-tooth tiger brain” is still on the lookout for threats. But we can re-educate it. When we intentionally focus on love, peace, and possibility, our brains build new neural pathways that help us feel safe, calm, and creative.
It takes practice — but the payoff is worth it. You’ll feel lighter, happier, and more in control of your emotional world.
A Hopeful Takeaway
You deserve to feel good. You deserve to live with peace, confidence, and joy. When you change your focus from lack to love, your entire world changes. Try these five practices for a week and see what happens — you might just surprise yourself with how quickly life feels brighter.
Here is a short video to support you.
Much love,
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach | Shine Bright Life Coaching