Acworth Mom: Choose To Be Positive

“We become what we think about all day long."—Ralph Waldo Emerson

So what “sets up camp” in your mind every day? Is it something good or something not so good? We all experience negative thoughts daily. But how do you turn that frown upside down?

In 1952 a book was published titled “The Power of Positive Thinking”. According to PsychologyToday, the author of the book said “the secret is to fill your mind with thoughts of faith, confidence and security. This will force out or expel all thoughts of doubt, all lack of confidence.” I think this equates as well to the negative people around us. We need to ditch those negative thoughts and negative people in our lives.

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can result in “increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress, resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and better coping skills during hardships and times of stress”. Now that is more than enough for me.

Two mantras from the book are from the Bible—I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and if God is for me who can be against me. For me personally God’s word, the Bible, does provide a great source of comfort, hope and direction. There are many verses to uplift you.

My search for décor and DIY crafts on Pinterest has also led me to some great inspiration; quotes in the form of artwork. A few of my favorite follow:

Go the extra mile –it’s never crowded. This reminds me to be different and to not follow the crowd. Do your own thing. Doesn’t it feel good to be different?

Do or do not. There is no try. This quote is from Yoda in Star Wars—something to which my son can relate. How true though, either you will or you will not succeed. Those are the only two possibilities. I choose to believe I will.

Do small things with great love. Sometimes it is the little things that matter the most. Do you remember the last time you were in a hurry, walking out of a public place while someone was slowly on their way in and you waited and held the door for them? I’m sure they really appreciated that more than you know. Even a smile can brighten someone’s day.

I long for salt air in my hair. This reminds me how much I love the beach. It reminds me of a time to unwind. It gives me something else to look forward to—days that are on “lazy time”. No schedule to constrict us. We all have fun in the sun, swimming in the ocean and at dusk when the ocean air is slightly cool the little fish are waiting to be scooped up in the kids’ nets. Their joy fills my heart with joy.

She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way she adjusted her sails. This so completely embodies a positive attitude. If it’s not working, change it. You don’t have to sink further into negative thoughts, behavior or expectations. You have the power to change that. 

So how will you be positive today?