There is a simple 3 letter word in the English language that can completely shift the energy of any sentence.  That word is BUT… and please don’t underestimate the power it holds.

More times than not, this word is used to negatively redirect energy. You start out with something positive and then throw a ‘but’ in there, and all of a sudden you have cast doubt and turned the focus of your unconscious toward lack, flaws and obstacles. You might even say you’ve negated the positive thought you started with. You’ve transformed your thought.

And you probably do this all the time without even considering it.

“I had a great day at work BUT I’m so behind.”

“This dessert is delicious BUT I’ll probably gain 5 lbs.”

“I love my kids BUT they are always making a mess.”

Can you feel the shift in those sentences? Does it feel good?

All of a sudden your beautiful, happy thought is transformed into a problem or negative perception.  You are now dealing with a heavier feeling and your unconscious mind is busy turning all of your creative energy towards these things you don’t want in your life. And that creates more of them.

Energy flows where attention goes.

You’ve just directed your unconscious to pay attention to the ‘BUTs’, to all the pressure you feel from your to-do list, to adding on weight and to noticing all the things that aren’t perfect in your relationships.

Is that really what you want?

There are a few simple things you can do that will stop twisting your thoughts toward the negative, which in turn, unintentionally mis-creates what you’d really rather have less of.

The easiest place to start is by replacing the word ‘BUT’ in your vocabulary with the word ‘yet.’  It doesn’t completely cancel the negative thought, and it doesn’t cancel out the positive either.  It’s more of a blending result, a declaration that both are true and the energy of your words is shared between the opposing thoughts. It is neutral territory and less destructive than using a ‘but’ that goes towards a negative perspective.

You can also use ‘BUT’ to direct energy toward the positive which assists you in your manifestation. Put the negative thought first, and follow it with the positive thought to shift the energy toward what brings you joy.

“I’m behind in my work BUT I had a great day.”

“I could gain 5 lbs BUT this dessert is delicious.”

“My kids are always making a mess BUT I love them.”

It’s easy to do, although it can be a little tricky if your old habits are deeply engrained. You need to pay attention to your words and how they make you feel after you think or speak them.

Negative thoughts don’t feel good, and can be heavy and constrictive. And are usually followed by another negative insight and more uncomfortable feelings.

A positive thought will feel lighter, more expansive, and you’ll automatically feel better, happier or more optimistic on the inside.

If you are using a BUT, you’ll want to be conscious of how you feel after the sentence to make sure you got the order right.

You might find it challenging at first to watch your language BUT it will get easier and easier. And the positive energy it creates in your life will be well worth it!

Original published in the June 2019 edition of The Magic Happens…