Think Positive--Redecorate Your Mind

Positive thinkers sometimes get caught up in the negativity of this world. It surrounds us every day now that we have social media, the Internet, television news, the movies, and more. Staying positive requires frequent redecorating of our minds.

The first rule from Dale Carnegie is "Don't Criticize, Condemn, or Complain," and that means about anything. Of course we are all guilty and righteous at times and declare that the criticism is justified. Yet, we cannot accomplish much when we are in a negative mood. Something prevents us from moving forward.

If you want to be happier and more productive then give up all criticism -- criticism about politicians, business, people, family and friends, and conditions. Find something good to say about everyone you know. We could write a new book entitled, "Don't Complain, Be Happy."

I enjoy the movies and television. I've been aware that at the movies most of the shows my friend and I have seen are violent action movies. I do like them, but we thought maybe we have been seeing too many of them. Can you imagine how the violent video games are affecting our children’s minds today?

The past three movies we saw were non-violent. What a difference it has made in our mindset. It's like we've redecorated our minds. Everything is peaceful and the mind is free and clear. I can't believe that it could happen by just changing the type of movies we saw, but it did.

Twenty years ago after a church service I remember talking with a group of ladies and one of them began complaining about the pastor’s sermon and the music. She went on and on for a few minutes when finally I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted to leave the group but didn’t know how without being rude. Finally I said, “It’s a beautiful day outside and I want to enjoy it. I’m sorry you are unhappy with the church but I love it and I like the new music. Excuse me. I have to leave.” And I left.

I felt awful. It wasn’t like me to say something like that, but I was compelled. One of the church leaders, Della, was there and I hoped she wouldn’t be upset with me. Next Sunday when I arrived I saw Della. I was apprehensive as she came walking towards me. Then she hugged me, “Thank you, Joan,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to say something to her for months.”

We can’t always stay positive. There are things happening in your world that require you to speak up. Yet, it is important to balance your life. Make sure there are primarily positive thinking people around you. Stay away from the consistent naysayers. If they are family you live with “tune out” when they are spewing out their negative talk, or leave the room.

“Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health,” states the Mayo Clinic. “Positive thinking means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.”

The Mayo Clinic goes on to share some of the health benefits of those who practice positive thinking that include:

• Increased life span,
• Less depression,
• Lower levels of distress,
• Better psychological and physical well-being,
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

Enjoy your life. Redecorate your mind with positive thoughts. Have a happy, peaceful, and a healthy life.