Positive thinking.
The subject is controversial. Some like it, some detest it. Not many are neutral, not that I've run in to. And we all have our own interpretation of it. Including me.
I've been mulling over writing a post about it for awhile, because what *I* mean by Positive Thinking is often misinterpreted by those who have a negative definition of the concept.
To think positive does not mean you deny hard, cold facts.
It DOES refer to how you interpret those facts.
It is not la la la la, fingers in my ears, not wanting to talk about honest "truth".
It IS a tendency to focus on the UP side of life, and try to find the blessings and the lessons that we can learn from what we go through.
It is not minimizing or discounting the painful realities that we go through.
It IS saying we can live a good life anyway.
We can look for the good, and not stay stuck in the muck.
There is a blog I visit named Yellow Brick Road, written by Dailyseeking. It is one of those that makes me pause, and think. It tends to be a quiet, thoughtful, and sincere blog.
Dailyseeking has recently been posting about a book she is reading by Joyce Meyer called Power Thoughts. And in a recent post (HERE) Positive Thinking is described the best way that I've read in a long, long time! I really enjoyed it.
So, instead of re-inventing the wheel, I'm just going to recommend you read her post. Here is part of it, to wet your appetite:
"Being positive does not mean we deny the existence of difficulty; it means we believe God is greater than our difficulties. Train your brain to trust and believe God and to think positive thoughts that are based on His word. Always remember that nothing is impossible with God! (Joyce Meyer-Power Thoughts)"
We have a choice as to which we dwell upon... the positive or the negative. We acknowledge the challenges, but how we interpret them makes all the difference. I really believe that... and even though I don't always DO it, I try.
Sure, at times I lose my focus... I get discouraged, and feel sorry for myself and whine and pout "it's not fair". But eventually I realize how unproductive that train of thought is.
I remember my Source, my God. And I remember WHY I wanted to make these healthy changes. And I make up my mind to learn from my mistakes and go ON.
Positive thinking is not the opposite of being "honest". It is looking at the realities of life through the lens of optimism, hope, determination and faith.
It's a pretty powerful way to think, if you ask me!
From Dr Phil's book: "Whatever the situation, you can choose your reaction. No matter what the circumstances, your interpretation of those events is of your own choosing."
My verse for today: "Love is patient, love is kind."
My quote for today: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." --Winston Churchill
Enjoy the Journey,
Loretta
=^..^=
18 comments:
Nice post, Loretta.
I am lucky to have an optimistic disposition - for me that "glass half full" perspective comes pretty naturally.
Last year I went through some really tough things (infertility and a cancer diagnosis) and managed to weather it all with an overall positive attitude. I had hard times, I cried, I had a lot of thinking to do, and it was difficult, and I still believe its fundamentally UnFair. But it is what it is, and ultimately I just got to working on making lemonade...
OH Loretta...YOU made my morning! YES it is about the attitude...and I will most certainly have to check out Yellow Brick Road as that is the road I too travel on.
Sounds Wickedly Wonderful!
And your blog is that to me.
Very inspiring. The quotes - Love Them.
Great post Loretta, and just what I needed to hear. I've been aware of being a negative Nancy recently, at least in my head. I CAN control that - even if I can't control much else. In AA there is a card that has some positive snippets on it, and one of them is, "As Abraham Lincoln said, most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Thanks for this.
I love that quote, I will have to check out that blog link. I too, and trying to think and keep a positive perspective. I have a friend who is such a great example of that. She makes positive comments to ever situation and it just lightens peoples loads and makes it so nice to be around her. I have been striving to be like that. I realize that it is about faith and trusting in God. It's when I keep trying to get things done my own way or in my own time that gets me more frustrated and that's when I have to put it in the Lord's hand and trust in His timing. Good stuff. Thanks Loretta!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
~Margene
Great Post, I am working on this with my therapist, I post homework from her so others can do it to if they like. so awesome that so many are into it as I am. Its hard to do especially if for so many years. She has got me doing Cognitive behavior therapy and Nuerolinguistic programming, which involves empowering thoughts and re-framing the negative ones. Great post just adds to the goodness! :)
xox
Mrs. Crumpet
It does make a difference I think. It has for me - to not think everyone is out to get me or hate me or looking at me and judging me - and that sort of thing.
Changing our thinking takes time. It really does.
Hope all is well with you, Loretta. Is it cold where you are? It is here.
I enjoyed reading this and dailyseekings post, it really is all in the attitude. I can't say I'm always a positive thinker but I do my best.
Thinking positive is the only way to go through a day, if not then the day really sucks and it's hard to even smile. Thank you for sharing such a great post and also the links to some awesome sites. You are always so creative. I hope life is treating you wonderfully. Take care my friend and God Bless!!
Loretta this is one of the best posts I've read in a long time- thank you! May we ALL strive harder to see the power in positive thinking- I am working on this constantly. Thank you thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo--
D
wanted to type a comment earlier but didn't have time.
Good post.
actually inspired me...might type about it tonight.
Glad you are back in the swing.
Special thanks for the links in this post! Positively thinking about this one...
Thanks for mentioning my blog! I am honored indeed--but your blog inspires me! Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved this Loretta. I feel the same way. When I wrote about this same topic and mentioned that I would no longer be following blogs that were CONSISTENTLY negative, I lost quite a few regular readers(or at least haven't heard from them again.)
I find that a positive attitude is the common denominator we find in all people who have found success and satisfaction in their life.
agreed, I try to be positive even in the face of major catastrophic events, of which I've had so so so many starting at birth. It makes it hard to see others little tiny problems as valid though and I have to remind myself that these folks have been lucky so far to have a great life and maybe their problem really is earth shattering to them. My own KIDS have had such a good life, despite our current financial problems my daughter recently said she's had an awesome childhood. Nothing makes me happier than that! And you'd think having a nice life would make it hard to be negative, but I know some people who have had it made since birth but are still moping around like their lives suck when they have it all. Anyway, i believe its all attitude. There are people who think I am smart and pretty and have it made, though the having it made part is still in the works...but they believe this because, I think it. So, they do too :-D
I totally agree. And message heard loud and clear. Deb
I always look to the positive side of things...What's the alternative? Being negative? Why? Even when things look their worse, there is always a positive. Always!
I used to see the glass as half full. Now I see it overflowing....
Keep focused!!
JOY: Had to laugh... how ironic I wrote that yesterday.
A cyst on my rt hand is infected and my hand blew up last night, incredibly throbbing &painful
Trying to find silver lining..
Had to ditch cooking plans?? Eating pretty plain... turkey, peas, sugar-free pumpkin cake, and not EVEN interested in cooking any more..
Thankful today: painkillers & antibiotics
Hahahahaha... jokes on me. :-}
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