The Power of Positive Thinking

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Positive thinking in a negative world can be very challenging, but there is evidence all around us that shows us that being an optimist instead of a pessimist can be life changing. If you are following along with the 52 Small Changes challenge that we are having this year, you saw some of the benefits of seeing things from the glass half full perspective with last Sunday’s email. I struggle with seeing myself in a positive manner and I’m sure I’m not alone, based on what I see all over the internet. I think over the years I have struggled with this area most, but I am working on improving in this area, among others this year.

My biggest challenge in seeing myself in a positive light, and the number one thing that the author of 52 Small Changes tells us to do, is: Shift Self-Talk. Blumenthal says to “pay attention to your reactions and internal monologue throughout the week. When you notice that you’re giving into negative self-talk, stop yourself. Practice self-acceptance and self-respect. Be kind to yourself, gentle and encouraging.” I have really been working hard on this over the past week and I think I am seeing some progress in my mindset. I’m beginning to not be so critical of myself when something doesn’t go exactly as I wanted it to.

I’ve been working hard to take care of my health over the past month (since I neglected so many aspects of it last year), which helps me see myself from a better perspective. I am healthier now than I was at the beginning of January and I can see improvements that I was beginning to wonder would ever happen. I have just finished doing my Whole30  (review and further thoughts to follow soon). I really started focusing on making sure I get enough sleep during January and the beginning of February, which helps me in so many different ways and helps me see life from a better perspective. It also helps keep me from being Mrs. Gumpypants, which makes my husband and son happy!

I’ve also been trying to laugh at things when what I really want to do is cry, because really is crying going to help anything? I think not.

I love this Bible verse taken from God’s Word translation. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength.”  If you are suffering from depression, try to find something in your life that will bring you joy. I truly believe it will help you.

Having an attitude of gratefulness can also help us create a more positive outlook. If we focus on being grateful for things, can we really think about all the bad things in our life? NO, we can’t. I’ve been writing in my journal about things I am thankful for every day and it has been eye-opening. There have been days that I really didn’t think I could come up with anything to be thankful for, but once I actually sat down and thought about it I came up with a whole page of things that I am thankful for that day. Sometimes, I just needed to put a bit more effort into the process. Other times, I will be so thankful for something that I can’t wait to write it down. Those are the kinds of days that I am striving for every day!

Being around positive people will help improve your outlook on life, too! If you are surrounded by positive people than you will become a more positive person. Find some good friends that will make you laugh, smile, and look at things from a glass half full perspective. They will benefit from your friendship and you will benefit from it, as well!

I really think half my battle for being down in the dumps last year was my attitude. This year, I am going to continue working on improving my attitude and turning it into some positive thinking! What about you? Are you a positive thinker? Or are you like me and need to work on this area? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxoxo,

Ann

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