Positive thinking, getting rid of those automatic negative thoughts, and the benefits of Pollyanna-ism, are all part today's show. We're going to look at how you can have that positive mindset to help you survive and prosper no matter what life throws at you.
There are countless examples of people throughout history who had physical, mental, or emotional struggles in life, but instead of letting it define them, and keep them down, they used the opportunities that arose from those afflictions to help others. The following inspirational stories are mentioned in this podcast:
Charles Dodgson, AKA Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. “And so you have found out that secret—one of the deep secrets of Life—that all, that is really worth the doing, is what we do for others?” Lewis Carroll
Let's Reverse Obesity Podcast In this podcast, John Bukenas takes you with him on his journey through weight loss. Many of us struggle with our weight due to poor diet, lack of exercise, slow metabolism, or a combination of this and more. Sean Webb from the I AM Intellectual Spirituality podcast, and that conversation will really make you think twice about why you feel the way you do about yourself. I encourage you to listen to it. Sean says “understanding our emotions gives us back control over our entire lives.” It's found in episode #18 of the Let's Reverse Obesity podcast.
Dr. Peale and Positive Thinking
Minister and author Dr. Norman Vincent Peale had a strong message in his book, The Power of Positive Thinking.
Positive quotes from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale:
- “Optimism, when applied to your life, develops strength and peace within you.”
- “When you wholeheartedly adopt a ‘with all your heart’ attitude and go all out with the positive principle, you can do incredible things.”
- “The person who sends out positive thoughts activates the world around him positively and draws back to himself positive results.”
How to Get Rid of “A.N.T.s” (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
If you let these automatic negative thoughts control your emotions, then you are likely to follow with a negative action. Maybe that action is a negative response to someone you're talking to. Maybe it's eating something unhealthy. Or taking something unhealthy. Maybe your negative thoughts are telling you that you're not good enough, smart enough, sharp enough, or—- they don't want to listen to you. In any case those ANTS invading your mind, those Automatic Negative Thoughts, are keeping you from living the finest life you can have. Two ways to take control of negative thoughts are exercise and reconditioning the mind to think positively.
Pollyanna-ism and the Power of Thinking Positively
A positive mood is an important predictor of health and longevity. People with a positive mood have been shown to live longer than their negative-thinking peers.
“Pollyanna-ism”; Always finding something to be glad about despite the circumstances. Pollyanna, written by Eleanor H. Porter. The title character's name became a popular term for someone with the same optimistic outlook. In it, an orphaned ten year old girl changes the lives of those around her.
“Those who spread sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” Sir James Barrie
Uncovering your Positive Attitude
Life isn't full of bright yellow smiley faces and the “thumbs-up” sign. If you get to know someone well enough, you will find a past or present pain that they talk about quietly. So where is the positive in all of this? The positive is in our mind. The changes we want to take place in our lives are already inside us. Allowing those changes to take root and grow begins with a positive mindset. You can do it!
Please leave me a comment or question, or if you have listened to the podcast in iTunes, please support me by leaving a review. Thank you so much for joining me today, and remember, when you look for the positive in any situation, you are not just being optimistic, you are re-training your brain and becoming a healthier you.
Until next time friend,
—stay positive!!!!
Disclaimer Please Note: Any information provided at the Positively Life After Fifty website, or in the podcasts, is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. Be sure to talk to your health care professional before changing any of your medical treatment or before starting any exercising program.
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