One small change: how a three-letter word makes a big difference

Ever find yourself faced with a litany of responsibilities weighing you down with the “need” to do this or that? I need to work. I need to buy groceries (or pick up my child from school, exercise or [fill-in-the-blank]). A tiny trick I learned a while ago can lift this load. It simply requires replacing the word “need” with the word “get.” I get to work. I get to buy groceries or pick up my child…and so on. This easy swap creates a subtle shift in our mindsets. Rather than feel burdened, we cultivate thankfulness for the means to provide for our households, spend quality time with family, move our bodies, etc. But it takes practice to retrain our thoughts; e.g., “I get to see the doctor” may not make it into our gratitude journals. Yet with consistent effort, we can learn to appreciate even the little things. Especially when we wake up and “get” a brand-new day ahead.

How do you approach the “needs” in your life?

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash.