In Need of New Direction? Change Your Thoughts…

“Change your thoughts and change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale

Most psychologists, medical experts, and philosophers agree on one common truth…the power of human thought.

One such researcher, Suzanne Segerstrom, University of Kentucky’s assistant professor of psychology and 2002 winner of the Templeton Prize (psychology’s largest monetary award) has actively researched the effects of positive thinking for over a decade.

According to her research, individuals with optimistic attitudes are healthier, both psychologically and physiologically.

Being optimistic and positive can strengthen your immune system, bring happiness to others, and provide you with that calm assurance that everything is going to be alright.

Of course, this is nothing new. You don’t have to look far back into history to find evidence of this same type of research. Best of all, the Bible very clearly tells us what things we should allow our minds to think on:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.–Philippians 4:8

Negative Thinking is Just a Bad Habit Running Wild

So, if we are in agreement that thoughts produce actions and ultimately have the power to change our lives…how do we get on the path of correct thinking? Old habits are hard to break…Okay, sounds like a cliche, but it’s so true. The way we think and the places we allow our mind to wander off to are nothing more than habits. When we view them as such (as habits), it’s easier to take responsibility for them, and ultimately take action against them.

Here’s an exercise that will help you to break the cycle of negative thinking.
Take it one day at a time (possibly one moment at a time). Examine your thought patterns. The first step is to identify the type of negative thoughts you are entertaining. Here’s a couple you may recognize:

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  The negative thoughts that have no identifiable reason for arriving: Sometimes they just creep in. You can be sitting there, minding your own business; thinking about driving your son to his soccer game, and bam….they hit you. All of a sudden you find yourself thinking about your ex-spouse, ex-boss, or possibly a family member. You think about how they wronged you and you wonder why they are prospering. Then you remember they just went on a cruise. Now you are stewing. Ten minutes later, you are full of negativity. You’ve let bitterness and envy pollute your mind and if you don’t put a stop to it in a hurry, the feelings that you’ve allowed in will take root and grow.
  
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  The negative thoughts that are reactive: Sometimes negative thoughts arrive as a direct reaction to a situation, an event, or an encounter. Perhaps you’ve just been yelled at by an angry person in traffic. Maybe your spouse made a cutting remark without thinking. Or quite possibly it is more serious, such as the loss of a job, a sick child, or other types of serious life stress. In order to combat this type of negativity, it involves more than just putting your thoughts in check. If you have looming circumstances, it can seem impossible to pull yourself out of negative thinking. That’s where your Creator comes in.

When things come into our lives that are beyond our control it is vital to take a proactive and positive approach. Now, I’m not suggesting that you deny the fact that the problem exists. That would be foolish. But the way to save yourself from hopelessness, pessimism, and confusion are by combating the negativity by using this 3 step method (you’ve heard it before):

1. Accept the things you cannot change. (Things that happened in the past as well as things that other people do, say, or think)

2. Change the things you can. (Staying calm and positive will allow you to have clarity. Clarity will allow you to have creative ideas and understand which situations you are able to change. Lost your job? Stay positive, a better door will open. Relationship in a mess? Peace will allow you to pray for the right answers. The more you walk in peace, the more you’ll be able to recognize what the correct action is.)

3. Know the difference. (Sometimes there are things you can do immediately to solve a problem. Sometimes the answer is to do nothing, remain positive, and trust God to put all the pieces into place.)

Is this way of life easy? Not at first. Especially not if you’ve spent years living negatively. But, you can turn it around. It’s never too late.

Start right where you are, today…right now. Instead of looking at what’s wrong, focus on what’s right. Count your blessings; be thankful, even for the smallest things. It’s your first step on the path of positive thinking. Here’s to a wonderful life!

BY: Jeff Rebarcak Colorado, USA

www.chillingwithjeff.com