“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” – Lao Tzu

If your destiny is said to stem from your original thought process, are your thoughts in-line with creating the life you love?

It’s amazing how many opinions and judgments arise in our minds unnoticed. The question is: how much of our inner-dialog is really affecting our lives? Our thoughts may be silent, but they tend to have a very loud impact.

Try these four daily mantras as an object of concentration for your mind:

1. My heart is open.

When you walk around with a shielded heart, you’re blocking amazing gifts and guidance from coming your way. Once you start to express love out into the world, through an open heart, that’s exactly what you’ll get in return.

Try stating these four words to yourself before starting your day. Roll the shoulders back broadening through the collarbone to literally find openness in your chest. Then, imagine a ball of light expanding out from your heart’s center. When you find yourself getting lost in your thoughts, keep coming back to this powerful heart-opening practice.

2. I release all things out of my control.

Sometimes when we’re trying too hard to control our destiny the best thing we can do is: just let go. Only when we surrender do we create space for change to manifest.

This may be one of the hardest mantras to practice for those type A personalities that love to be in control. If that’s you, repeat this statement over and over again until you feel like you can trust, walk away and move forward. Sometimes we think we know what’s best for us, but the Universe has a bigger plan.

3. Everything in my life is unfolding for my highest good.

Whenever there is a problem or you’re feeling anxious, repeat this calming mantra; it will work miracles in your life.

Just when you feel like all odds are against you, this statement will remind you that steadiness comes after the turbulence. You may not know why something frustrating is happening in the present moment, but there is meaning behind most events, which become relevant later in your journey.

4. I choose to be present in all that I do.

If you’re constantly living in the past or future, you’ll miss all the excitement and miracles occurring in front of you. And unfortunately, you can’t get those moments back.

If your thoughts begin telling a story about your future or revisiting a memory from your childhood, just come back to this beautiful mantra. When you are fully present in all that you do – washing the dishes, having dinner or giving a presentation – you’ll start to understand, all that matters is happening right now. And this, my friends, is the best place to start creating the life you love.