I’ve stated in past writings that our thoughts in many ways control our actions and behavior. I feel that this is such a powerful concept that it cannot be overstated. This is the reason I’ve selected to write a follow-up on our thinking and the importance of keeping positive as much as we can. In Proverbs 23-7 it says “As he thinketh in his heart so is he.” I believe as much as possible keep our thoughts loving, cheerful, full of joy and love.
I realize in our daily lives that our work drives much of what we think and do. However, when we have a quiet moment or two to reflect for a bit, maybe during a coffee break or lunch break, take a deep breath and think of a happy or joyous moment. Scripture also says “A merry heart does good like medicine” Proverbs 17:22. They knew way back then that a state of joy would bring health to our bones.
This brings to mind Norman Cousins and one of his famous quotes “Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” In his book “Anatomy of an Illness” he shares the story of how he was able to prolong his life an additional twenty years after being diagnosed of a terminal illness. As a research editor he concluded that if negativity contributed to his illness maybe positive thoughts could help his physical body fight off his illness. It turns out he was right, and he believed it was humor that helped him turn around his illness.
If you are hurting right now with a physical ailment of some sort start laughing more it helps release endorphins that in itself will make you feel better. When I was teaching in the California Prison System I wrote a poem called “Believing in Myself.” I’ve included it here because it touches on the power of our thoughts.
Believing in Myself
Today is a special day. It is the first day of the rest of my life. What I do today is the result of my thoughts. I want to think good thoughts. I want to think kind, pure, and loving thoughts of myself and of others.
I want to see the best in others. My focus will be on what is positive, what is loving, and what is honest. Not just for myself but for those around me. I know that if it’s to be it’s up to me.
I choose to have an upbeat positive attitude today. I know that when I keep my attitude positive it makes me feel better and I have a positive impact on those around me. Who I am today is a result of my thoughts and actions from yesterday.
Who I am tomorrow will be the results of my thoughts and actions today. For me it is important to choose good thoughts, loving thoughts, honest thoughts because I know it’s my thinking that determines my actions that will ultimately determines who I become.
I am but one person, I am a unique human being, there is no one like me now and there will never be anyone like me, ever. That makes me so special. To think no one is exactly like me, just like me. There may be a few individuals that have similarities to me but not exactly like me.
This I know for sure, while someone might look a little like me, I absolutely know that they don’t think like me. Think about that! What you think is entirely up to you and you alone. No one can tell you what to think. You choose your thoughts. Just remember what you think is based on what you believe.
What we believe will cause us to act in ways that help and sometimes in ways that might harm us. It’s our belief that often drive our thoughts that ultimately determine how we act. If you are not happy with where you are today change it. Look at your beliefs change the ones not working for you, and you will change who you are. Why? Because it’s your beliefs that drive your thoughts good and bad that will ultimately drive your actions. It’s our actions that will determine ultimately who we will become.
Therefore, if you want more happiness in your life, I challenge you to look at what you really believe in. Change what’s not working (beliefs) and replace some of those old beliefs with better and stronger beliefs. There is no magic formula, it takes effort and hard work. But your reward will be well worth it because you will become the person you were meant to be.
In this poem I state that we can choose having a positive attitude for any given day. I hope that you believe that a positive attitude can benefit you in so many ways, and that you have the power to control your attitude for any given day. Having good quality thoughts can determine your attitude.
The poem acknowledges that we are unique and very special. This belief will give you all the confidence needed to begin soaring like an eagle if not already doing so. My hope is that each one of you will continue growing no matter what stage you are experiencing in life right now. In nature growth is much better than withering away like a dying tree or plant. Continue to grow each day as you live life and you too will soar to unbelievable heights. Until the next time, Carbie.
The One-Minute Prisoner 