Positive thinking : the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation.

I am studying to be an herbalist.

In class one day, I was asking my professor, Nicholas, how I could help my adult children to begin to transform their lives to be healthier. I asked if they should focus on three or four things - what could I direct them towards?

Good sleep?
Eat good, nutritious food?
Exercise?
Don’t smoke?

You know, the regular things we think of when we think of what makes up healthy living…

Nope. It was none of those things.

Nicholas said, “Positive thinking. #1 thing is positive thinking.”

I must have looked at him like I didn’t hear him or I thought he was crazy because he repeated it a couple more times.
”Positive thinking. That’s the best thing you can do for your health. Positive thinking. Think positive thoughts.”

And then he moved on to whatever else was next in the lecture.

But that stuck with me.
And provoked thought.
And research.
And more thought.

Could it be that simple?

Positive thinking is the practice of focusing on the good in every situation. It means focusing more on the positive side of an event than the negative.

This does not mean ignoring the bad things. It means that you accept the bad, but then start working on making the most out of whatever has happened.

Positive thinking allows you to approach life’s challenges with positivity and optimism.

Sit and think about it for a while. Imagine different scenarios in your life and view them through a positive lens and a then again through a negative lens.

Notice how much better a situation seems if you have positive thinking. If you are actively focusing on the good in that situation. Yes, you can acknowledge the bad, but focus on the good.

Here’s an example —

I was telling a friend of mine about what I’ve learned about positive thinking.

He replied, “Yeah, think good thoughts, but, don’t just sit there and do nothing else.

This sentence - with the word but - belittles and downplays the incredible power of positive thinking. Instead, look at this reply…

“Yes, think good thoughts, and, add in these other habits to help even more.”

Look at the tone of the two sentences. One negates positive thinking. One supports and builds on it.

It really does make a difference.

How can you be more positive?

1. Listen to how you talk.
   What kind of phrasing do you use?
   Do you say things in a more positive or negative way?

2. Tackle one thought at a time.
   After a particularly hard, sweaty day of work, I used to say to myself, “Gross! You stink!”
   I’ve changed that to, “Wow! You worked hard today. Good job!”
   The second sentence is much nicer to hear, even when it’s just me talking to myself.

3. Pay attention to your body’s reaction to your words.
   How do you feel, physically, when you hear or say negative things? Does it make your stomach hurt? Do you frown?

   
   How do you feel, physically, when you hear or say positive things? Do you hold your head up higher? Do you smile?
   
   

If you’re having a hard time finding positive things to say and think :
ask a friend what good qualities you have
look for positive quotes online
pray about it

Make it a point to put more positive thinking in your life - your body and your health will benefit so much.

You can do it!!