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The Power of Positive Affirmations: Rewiring Your Mind for Success

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  Positive affirmations are simple, intentional statements designed to challenge negative thoughts, reinforce positive beliefs, and foster a growth-oriented mindset . Rooted in the principles of cognitive psychology, affirmations leverage the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself through repetition and intention. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind positive affirmations, their benefits, and practical ways to incorporate them into your daily life for personal growth and a positive mindset. The Science Behind Positive Affirmations Positive affirmations work by influencing the brain’s neural pathways, a concept tied to  neuroplasticity —the brain’s ability to form and reorganise synaptic connections in response to learning or experience. When we repeat affirmations, we engage the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), which filters information and helps us focus on what aligns with our beliefs. By consistently affirming positive statements, we can shift ou...

🌱 5 Mindset-Shifting Books That Changed My Life—and Can Change Yours Too

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Ciao, bella crew! It’s Gilda Notarbartolo, your Italian Girl Touch guide, straight from the heart of Onda Felice and Smiley Frequency ! Picture this: a cozy morning with a steaming cappuccino, a notebook full of dreams, and a spark of inspiration to make today your day . That’s the vibe I’m bringing to this blog, where I’m sharing five game-changing books that flipped my mindset and set my soul on fire. These reads aren’t just pages—they’re your ticket to unlocking more joy, growth, and positive energy. As a journalist and content creator, I’ve poured my heart into curating this list, complete with links to grab your own copies (yep, they’re affiliate links to keep this positivity train rolling!). Ready to dive into a world of transformation with a touch of Italian flair? Let’s ride this wave together! 1. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Why It’s Life-Changing : This book introduced me to the power of a morning routine through Hal Elrod’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. system —six steps ( Silen...

Building Resilience: The Cornerstone of Self-Growth

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  Resilience is the bedrock of personal growth. It’s not just about bouncing back from setbacks but about transforming challenges into opportunities for deeper self-awareness and strength. In a world that often feels chaotic, cultivating resilience empowers you to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and purpose.  I’ll guide you through the science, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to build resilience and thrive. What Is Resilience? Resilience is the ability to adapt to adversity, stress, or trauma while maintaining mental and emotional stability. It’s not about avoiding pain but about growing through it. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that resilient individuals exhibit traits like optimism, emotional regulation, and strong social connections . Contrary to popular belief, resilience isn’t a fixed trait—you can develop it through intentional practice. Why Resilience Matters for Self-Growth Setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s a career ...

The Power of a Morning Routine: Unlocking Personal Growth

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  Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day. How you start your morning can shape your mindset, productivity, and overall well-being. Many successful individuals swear by their morning routines, and one of the most influential books on this topic is The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. This book presents a transformative approach to mornings, designed to help individuals maximize their potential and achieve personal growth. The Miracle Morning Philosophy Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning introduces the concept of Life S.A.V.E.R.S., a six-step routine that fosters self-improvement and success: Silence – Begin your day with meditation or deep breathing to cultivate inner peace. Affirmations – Reinforce positive beliefs and intentions to shape your mindset. Visualization – Picture your goals and success to create motivation. Exercise – Engage in physical activity to boost energy and mental clarity. Reading – Absorb knowledge that inspires and educates. Scribing – Journal your t...

The Power of Slowing Down: Why Taking a Step Back Moves You Forward

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  In a world that glorifies speed, efficiency, and constant productivity, slowing down feels like an act of rebellion. But the truth is, pausing isn’t a setback—it’s a strategy for a more fulfilling and productive life . The Wake-Up Call: Learning to Slow Down Let’s be honest—most of us only stop when forced to. That’s exactly what happened to me. A tough week spent in bed with the flu, struggling against frustration, guilt, and the nagging feeling that I was falling behind. At first, I resisted. But then, I started to realise: slowing down is an opportunity, not an obstacle . We live in an era where speed is everything. We binge content, rush through meals, optimise every moment for maximum efficiency—often at the cost of our well-being. But if nature has taught us anything, it’s that patience leads to progress . 💡 Lao Tzu wisely said, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." The seasons change without being rushed. Plants flourish over time. Yet we, as huma...

The Art of Not Thinking: Freeing Yourself from Mental Noise

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  Introduction We live immersed in a continuous flow of thoughts. We ruminate, analyse, predict, and often find ourselves trapped in a mental whirlwind that pulls us away from the present moment. But there is an alternative: the practice of not thinking . This concept, explored in The Practice of Not Thinking by Ryūnosuke Koike , invites us to break free from excessive thinking and rediscover the simplicity of living. The Problem of Excessive Thinking We think too much. We often convince ourselves that analyzing every detail will help us solve our problems, but reality is different—continuous thinking can generate stress, anxiety, and decision fatigue rather than effective solutions. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman , in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow , explains how our minds operate in two modes: System 1 (Intuitive Thinking) – Fast, automatic, and effortless. System 2 (Analytical Thinking) – Slow, deliberate, and energy-consuming. While analytical thinking is essential for pro...

Embracing Self-Development and Positive Thinking: The Transformative Power of Love

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In the journey of life, self-development and positive thinking help us face challenges. They guide us to grow and become our best selves. And help us cultivate a deep sense of fulfillment. At the heart of it all is love . This is the most profound and powerful energy that shapes, connects, and transforms. Every part of our lives changes. The Path of Self-Development Becoming the best version of ourselves requires reflection, and learning. And also the courage to step beyond comfort zones . Self-development is a continuous process of learning, reflecting, and improving. It requires intentional effort to understand oneself, set meaningful goals, and overcome limitations. As Aristotle wisely said,  “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  This highlights that growth is not a single achievement but an ongoing commitment to better habits, thoughts, and actions. It is a continuous commitment, not a destination.  Yet, no progress is truly ...